The National Infertility Association attributes approximately 30 percent of infertility cases to secondary infertility.

This condition affects couples that have already experienced a pregnancy. On subsequent attempts to get pregnant, existing or newly developed physical or hormonal factors deter their plans and cause secondary infertility. Dr. Susan Hudson treats secondary infertility by investigating underlying causes and designing a treatment plan to help you add to your family.

Some fertility doctors assign a diagnosis of ‘secondary infertility’ only if the couple conceived their first child without fertility treatments. Broader definitions include pregnancy losses as well. In general, if you’ve had a pregnancy together in the past (regardless of the outcome) your evaluation as a couple and subsequent treatment will focus on your current diagnosis.

Infertility testing will need to be completed and even repeated if some time has passed, in order for Dr. Hudson to decide what treatments will best suit your current situation.

Causes of secondary infertility

There are many reasons secondary infertility can occur. Time is the most important factor affecting couples with secondary infertility.

• As women age, so do their eggs. Maternal age negatively impacts egg quality and quantity.
• Weight gain can lead to ovulation problems and infertility.
• Endometriosis worsens over time, causing infertility in some.
• Tubal blockage or damage may have occurred.

Ovarian reserve describes a woman’s fertility potential. Egg number and quality decrease at a steady rate over time, gradually decreasing after age 27, and then sharply after 35. The amount of good quality eggs available to make a sibling is naturally lower, later in a woman’s life.

Complications during a past pregnancy or delivery can also lead to decreased fertility. A woman’s delivery may cause uterine scarring leading to implantation problems or damage to fallopian tubes. Male fertility also decreases over time, with the number, quality and motility of sperm declining with age.

Dr. Hudson will thoroughly explain your options for secondary infertility treatments. Equipped with the facts and a timeline for adding to your family, you can decide on the course of action that makes the most sense (from a financial, emotional and spiritual perspective) for your family.

Take the first step – contact Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels today to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Hudson.