Secondary infertility is defined as the inability
to conceive for the second time, or, more accurately, the next time. It can
also be defined as having had a live birth.
Primary infertility means not having had a child
by birth that is the inability thus far to have conceived and carried to term a
baby.
In summary, primary infertility is the term used
when a woman has never had a successful birth of a child and secondary
infertility is the inability to conceive after having already had a successful
birth. Both types of infertility are common amongst couples who are infertile
and the causes and treatments are similar for both.
Female issues
Female infertility may be caused by any number of
situations, including abnormalities of the uterus, such as a septate uterus. A
septate uterus is a condition wherein the wall of the uterus (septum) is
divided either partially or fully, into two cavities. The treatment for a
septate uterus is surgical since hormones do not seem to affect the situation.
The diagnosis is made using a special uterine x-rate which will expose
abnormalities like scarring, polyps, fibroids or a uterus which is abnormally
shaped. A metroplasty is performed – a procedure to remove the septum or
division in the uterus. The surgery can be done vaginally, using a
telescope-like device which is placed into the vagina and then into the uterus,
or it can be done by laparotomy, an incision in the abdomen. About 80 percent
of women who have surgery to remove septum and reshape the uterus have later
successfully become pregnant and carried their baby to term.
Male infertility
Male infertility can be affected by a wide variety
of disorders and external influences as well. A qualified medical professional
would have to do tests to determine exactly what the problem is – whether it is
environmental, physical or emotional.
There are two primary reasons cited for male
infertility, one of which is the vasectomy and the other varicocele. Nearly 56
per cent of men seeking to conceive with their partners in study done in 2001
had had a vasectomy and were seeking to reverse the procedure. In the same
study, 14 per cent were infertile due to varicocele – the swelling of the veins
in the spermatic cord of the scrotum for which surgical correction is
necessary. Genetics, age, lifestyle, stress, overheating and chronic illnesses
such as diabetes and high blood pressure all affect the production of sperm for
a man.
Sometimes it can be easily fixed
In some cases, secondary infertility may be
something which can be medically addressed, such as a blockage in the fallopian
tubes. The impact of secondary infertility can be every bit as devastating as
primary infertility, and in some cases even more so if it is unexplained. The
feelings of guilt and confusion are often overwhelming and it is important for
couples who have had a successful pregnancy and birth to seek whatever help
they need to be able to understand and explore possibilities of conception.
