The path to treating secondary infertility is a long one that may or may not result in successful conception and childbirth. But with much research and advances in technology, more and more cases of secondary infertility are successfully treated. And there is some good news. Currently, pregnancy rates for couples using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are higher than the average monthly fertility rates. This means that a couple is more likely to conceive a child with ART in any given month than a healthy, fertile couple is likely to conceive naturally. So, if you are seeing a fertility specialist, you are likely in good hands.
Phil Druce from fertility website OvulationCalendar.com says, “One of the most common causes of secondary infertility is advanced reproductive age. Women are born with all the follicles they will ever have, and so the ovarian reserve declines with age until menopause.”
Medical Interventions for Secondary Infertility
When you are diagnosed with secondary infertility, the first course of action will be fertility testing. From here, your doctor may be able to determine the cause of your fertility issues and recommend a customized approach to treatment. In some cases, the cause of your infertility will remain unknown, but common medical interventions may still be of help.
- Medication – Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and injectable gonadotropins are commonly prescribed medications that are used to increase the number of eggs available for fertilization.
- In vitro fertilization – In some cases, medication is sufficient to jump-start a woman’s reproductive system and allow conception to take place. In other cases, the embryo must be created outside of the body, in a petri dish.
- Egg donation – If a woman’s ovarian supply is severely diminished, she may need the help of an egg donor in order to conceive.
Natural Cures for Secondary Infertility
There are some ways to boost your fertility naturally, but these may not necessarily take the place of medical intervention. However, natural cures for secondary infertility may often be used alongside medical intervention to increase success rates.
- Diet – Obesity is often a cause of secondary infertility, so if you or your partner are overweight, it is time to adopt a healthy eating and exercise plan. And regardless of your weight, eating a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods can boost your chances of conceiving by nourishing your body with iron, calcium and folate. Regular exercise will also help keep you fit and active, which can help you get back into shape post-pregnancy.
- Quitting bad habits – Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol in excess, and avoid smoking cigarettes or taking recreational drugs. All of these things can make you less fertile.
- Take a prenatal vitamin – Folic acid is a crucial nutrient for fetal development, and taking it before you conceive can help prepare your body for pregnancy. Prenatal vitamins should contain the appropriate dosage of this important nutrient.
- Reduce stress – Stress may be the cause of your secondary infertility. And even if it is not the cause, it is likely not helping. Try to reduce any stress in your life and take measures to better handle the stress you cannot eliminate. Yoga, meditation and acupuncture are all good options.
