Secondary Infertility
What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility refers to difficulties conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term, even after having one or more children.
Our consultant Dr. Bart Kuczera answers common questions regarding the issue of Secondary Infertility.
Why do some couples have difficulty conceiving again?
While other factors should be considered, secondary infertility is often a part of the natural aging process. For example, 1 in 5 couples who had a child in their 20’s or early 30’s may have trouble conceiving in their late 30’s.
A woman’s egg supply and egg quality will generally decrease as her maternal age increases, making a successful pregnancy more difficult. On the male side, poor-quality sperm can be a contributing factor.
I Suspect We Have A Secondary Infertility Issue. What Can We Do?
We recommend that you consult with a Fertility Consultant.
Typically, the Consultant will arrange some simple tests to assess the sperm quality of the male, and the ovarian reserve of the woman. This will help the Consultant to devise a personal treatment plan for you.
Can IVF Treatment Help Our Chances Of Conceiving?
Yes, many couples can have a successful pregnancy with the help of IVF, even if the underlying cause of their secondary infertility remains unexplained.
What Other Treatment Options May Be Recommended?
If the woman is over 35, IVF with Embryo Genetic Testing (PGT-A) may also be recommended.
PGT-A allows us to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities—a leading cause of pregnancy failure. By identifying and selecting chromosomally normal embryos for transfer, we can significantly enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy, particularly in women over 35.
Irish Independent Article
Our Medical Director, Dr Ahmed Omar, contributed to this article in the Irish Independent covering the topic of secondary infertility.
We can help
We understand the emotional toll secondary infertility can take. We’re here to listen to your concerns and offer potential solutions.
Our expert team of Consultants will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique circumstances and history.