Secondary Infertility

The term secondary infertility is used when a woman has conceived a child in the past, but now has found that she has not been able to conceive over a period of time, usually over a year's time. Some women may have given birth once, or multiple times with no issues and now find themselves not being able to conceive after trying for a year or more.

When secondary infertility has become an issue, a doctor will look at both male factors and female factors when looking at their infertility. Secondary infertility has a higher occurrence than primary infertility, however less couples seek treatment with secondary infertility than with those who are experiencing primary infertility.

Age seems to be the most often cause of secondary infertility. One of the first things a doctor will look out is the age of both the man and woman along with their health and physical changes.

Other factors considered in secondary infertility are the introduction of a new partner in a new relationship where one or both of the partners have conceived a child in the past with other partners, but together have not succeeded in conceiving.

As with both primary infertility and secondary infertility, doctors will look at all aspects of infertility tests and procedures and suggest or begin treatments based on their findings.