Rise of secondary infertility

VER several generations, women have steadily redefined their aspirations — from seeking a well-settled husband and focusing on home-making to building careers, breaking boardroom barriers, excelling in sports, and taking charge of their own destinies.

- VENNAPUSALA RAMYA

Yet, just when many decide to pause, embrace family life, and have children, they are sometimes faced with an unexpected and silent challenge: infertility.

While infertility can arise from various factors, one particularly perplexing form is secondary infertility — where women who previously conceived without assistance struggle to conceive again.

"Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after previously having a successful live birth, without using assisted reproductive technologies," explains Dr Jyothi C Budi, medical director at Ferty9 Fertility Centre. "It is typically diagnosed when a couple is unable to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse — or after six months if the woman is over 35," she adds.