Having difficulty getting pregnant can be a cause for concern and disappointment for many couples. It is estimated that 1 in every 8 couples experience infertility, which is defined as not being able to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sex. However, what happens when you have already been successful in conceiving once and are struggling to do so a second time? This can be a frustrating and confusing experience for couples, as they try to understand why they are having difficulty getting pregnant the second time. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why couples may struggle to conceive a second time around.
Age and Fertility
Age can play a significant role in fertility, and it becomes even more vital when trying to conceive for the second time. Women’s fertility begins to decline from age 30, with a more significant decrease after the age of 35. For men, the decrease in fertility happens at a much slower rate, with the most significant decline happening around the age of 45. As a couple, this could mean that as you age, it becomes more challenging to conceive. The reason for this is that aging causes changes within the reproductive system, such as the quality and quantity of eggs and sperm. These factors can make it difficult for conception to occur, leading to difficulty getting pregnant the second time around.
The Effect of Age on Female Fertility
The biological clock of women impacts their ability to conceive. Although women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, the quality and quantity of the eggs decline with age, especially after the age of 35. At the same time, fertility in women also reduces as hormonal changes can occur. As women age, there is a decline in the quantity and quality of the cervical mucus, the hormone-influenced mucus that protects and enables the sperms to survive inside the reproductive system.
The Effect of Age on Male Fertility
Although men can father children at much later ages than women, the quality and quantity of the sperm can decrease with age. Research has indicated that as men age, the motility (movement) and morphology (shape) of the sperm decrease, and DNA damage can increase, making it more challenging for the sperm to fertilize an egg. The risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and chromosomal abnormalities also increases as men age.
Secondary Infertility
Secondary infertility is a term used to describe when a couple experiences difficulty in conceiving or carrying to term after an initial successful pregnancy. This form of infertility is relatively common, and according to studies, up to 50% of infertility cases are due to secondary infertility. Secondary infertility can occur due to various reasons such as age-related factors, lifestyle changes, or underlying medical conditions that were not present during the couple’s first pregnancy.
Age and Secondary Infertility
Age can be a significant factor in secondary infertility as the age-related changes in the reproductive system mentioned earlier can lead to conception difficulties. As women age, the chances of developing medical conditions that can impact fertility such as endometriosis, fibroids, and polyps increase. Similarly, age can impact the quality and quantity of the sperm produced by men, leading to difficulty in conceiving a second time.
Lifestyle and Secondary Infertility
Lifestyle changes can also impact fertility, and these may not have been present during the first pregnancy. Factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all impact fertility in both men and women.
Medical Conditions and Treatments
Certain medical conditions can impact fertility in both men and women, and these conditions can develop after the first pregnancy. Some of the medical conditions that can impact fertility include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and male factor infertility. Additionally, some treatments that were not necessary during the first pregnancy, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, can impact fertility in women or cause temporary or permanent infertility.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The condition can cause cysts to develop in the ovaries, which can impact ovulation and conception. Women with PCOS may also experience irregular periods, increased facial hair, and acne. This condition can cause difficulty in conceiving, and therefore, seeking treatment to manage the symptoms can improve your chances of conceiving a second time.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that is supposed to line the inside of the uterus grows outside it, causing painful periods, pelvic pain, and infertility. The scar tissue can cause the tissues and organs to stick together, making it difficult to conceive naturally. Treatment for endometriosis can include surgery or medication to manage the symptoms and improve fertility.
Male Factor Infertility
Male factor infertility refers to the case where infertility is caused by problems with the quality or quantity of the sperm produced by the man. Factors that cause infertility in men include a low sperm count, abnormal morphology, and poor motility. Treatments for male factor infertility include hormone therapy, surgeries, or the use of donor sperm.
Conclusion
There are various reasons why you may not be getting pregnant the second time around. Understanding these reasons can help identify any underlying medical conditions and lifestyle changes that could be impacting your ability to conceive. However, it is essential to remember that not being able to conceive again is not uncommon and seeking medical attention can help identify and resolve any underlying issues. Don’t lose hope; there are many treatments and technologies available today that can help in the fertility journey.
Common Questions and Answers
- Q: Is Secondary infertility more common than primary infertility?
- A: No, primary infertility is more common than secondary infertility, with approximately one in eight couples experiencing infertility.
- Q: At what age does fertility start to decline in women?
- A: Fertility starts to decline from age 30, with a more significant decrease after the age of 35.
- Q: How does age impact male fertility?
- A: As men age, the motility and morphology of the sperm decrease, and DNA damage can increase, making it more challenging for the sperm to fertilize an egg.
- Q: What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
- A: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. The condition can cause cysts to develop in the ovaries, which can impact ovulation and conception.
- Q: Can lifestyle changes impact fertility?
- A: Yes, factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all impact fertility in both men and women.
References
American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2019, February). Understanding Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.reproductivefacts.org/faqs/understanding-infertility/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 2). Secondary Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/SecondaryInfertility.htm
Mayo Clinic. (2021, January 6). Female Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308
Mayo Clinic. (2020, January 31). Causes of male infertility. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773