The Silent Struggle: Rising Incidence of Secondary Infertility

Incidences of secondary infertility are growing rapidly in number.

- TDG NETWORK

Inputs by Dr. Shobha Gupta Medical Director and IVF Expert from Mothers Lap IVF Centre New Delhi and Mumma's Blessing IVF and Birthing Paradise Vrindavan

While infertility is a topic discussed every day, secondary infertility is not much talked about, whereas it is quite a common form of infertility. Secondary infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant a second time, following the birth of one or more biological children.

When Sachin chawla (33, name changed), a banking professional, and his wife Neha Chawla (30, name changed), a housewife, had a boy in 2018 and decided to complete their family with a second child, they were shocked to know that they can't have another baby because he has a low sperm count, which is causing problems in conceiving; hence, they are suffering from secondary infertility.

CAUSES OF SECONDARY INFERTILITY IN BOTH PARTNERS COULD BE:

1. In women:

Damage to fallopian tubes due to ectopic pregnancies

Complications during prior pregnancies such as a C-section

Blockage which is caused by fibroids

Increased maternal age and less production of eggs

2. In men:

Increased age, weight gain, excessive smoking and drinking use of certain medications