The Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Secondary infertility is a relatively common and treatable issue

Sometimes when an individual or a couple wants to conceive another child, it’s more difficult than expected. When a patient cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after giving birth without using fertility treatments, doctors call this secondary infertility. Our Las Vegas infertility doctors will likely make this diagnosis if a patient has been unable to conceive another baby after trying for one year (or six months if age 35 or over).

While this diagnosis can be distressing, The Fertility Center of Las Vegas offers an Oasis of Hope. By using proven fertility treatments, our team can help patients become parents again.

What are the causes of secondary infertility?

When it comes to this condition, fertility issues in one or both partners can be responsible. Just as with primary infertility, female fertility issues are responsible about one third of the time, and male issues cause the problem another one third of the time. The remaining third of cases are due to a combination of factors or the cause is unexplained.

When it comes to the female causes of secondary infertility, increased age is one of the most common. Because egg quantity and quality decrease with age, it can be harder to conceive another child as a woman reaches her late-30s to early-40s. The following issues are other common female infertility causes.

  • Uterine issues, including adhesions due to scarring from a C-section, can make it more difficult to conceive. Fibroids and polyps can also cause an issue.
  • Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can make it more difficult to conceive another child.
  • Weight gain may cause ovulatory issues. Additionally, diets and medications as well as lifestyle changes can contribute to fertility problems.

When it comes to men, reduced testosterone levels and poor sperm quality can make it more difficult to conceive again. Other male issues may include varicoceles (varicose veins in the testicles) and weight gain. Some medications and lubricants can also cause fertility issues.

How do fertility doctors diagnose and treat this issue?

If you’re struggling to conceive another child, you should reach out to our doctors as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your likelihood of welcoming a baby.

Before our Las Vegas infertility doctors recommend a treatment plan, they will order testing to identify what’s causing the issue. As a result, your doctor will first review your medical history. Your doctor may also order bloodwork, a transvaginal ultrasound and a semen analysis.

After receiving your test results, your doctor can determine what’s causing the secondary infertility. Armed with this information, your doctor will develop a customized treatment plan.

  • If you’re having trouble ovulating, fertility medications like clomiphene citrate and letrozole can induce ovulation.
  • Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with or without donor sperm can help if you’re facing issues like mild male infertility or cervical abnormalities.
  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) can help overcome conditions like endometriosis and tubal infertility. You can use donor eggs or sperm with this treatment if necessary.
  • Minimally invasive surgery can treat conditions that range from adhesions to polyps.

If you’d like to learn more about how to conceive another child, our Las Vegas infertility doctors can help. Contact us to learn more.