Submitted by Shelby D Burns Thu 11/01/2012
Family you’ve given birth to your bundle of joy and now you start thinking about another. Suddenly what was once easy is now difficult and conceiving that second or third child is becoming a challenge. Many couples experience what is known as secondary infertility. This is the inability to conceive again after having a baby.
Age is the biggest factor The biggest reason this happens has to do with age. You are likely well over a year older than when conceived your last child. Maybe two years. Those years can be all the difference. “You and your eggs, plus your partner and his sperm, are older than the first time around,” said Dr. Serena Chen, MD of the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ.
Some conditions linger from the first pregnancy Other conditions also get worse with age. Endometriosis and fibroids can surface or become worse. If there were any complications from a first pregnancy, scar tissue from childbirth or a dilation and curettage (D&C), these factors can also complicate future pregnancies.
When do you get concerned? If you are young, under 35 years old, and haven’t conceived after a year of unprotected sex, there may be an infertility issue at play. If you’re over 35 years old and not pregnant after six months of unprotected sex, it may be time to consult your doctor. “Most couples underestimate the length of time they’ve been trying,” says Dr. Chen. So make sure to keep records of when you try and how regular your cycle is.
