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Coping with Secondary Infertility

Coping with Secondary Infertility
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Modern Pregnancy. Urban Parenting. WellRoundedNY.com

Modern Pregnancy. Urban Parenting. WellRoundedNY.com
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By Angela Le

We often think of infertility as an issue for first-time parents, but for some, the fertility challenges don't begin until they're trying for their second (or third or fourth) time around. Secondary infertility -- the inability to become pregnant, or carry to term, after giving birth to one or more children -- can be just as devastating for those in its wake, especially because most parents assume if they got pregnant once, they can certainly do it again.

But, not every pregnancy is the same, and often there can be a big difference between them in terms of the process and the experience as a whole. In fact, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 3 million couples in the United States face secondary infertility.

The challenges of getting pregnant, especially if you were able to have a child before, can be extremely confusing, heartbreaking, isolating and painful. But as these statistics prove, it's a struggle that many are facing, and one that you should not feel ashamed of. Educating yourself and establishing the right support network can make all the difference. Here are 5 tips on how to cope with secondary infertility.

  1. Don't be afraid to seek medical assistance. There are many different reasons parents experience secondary infertility, but age often plays an important role. If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for a year, you can and should seek medical assistance. Women over 35 should ask for help if they have been trying for six months. A specialist like a reproductive endocrinologist can help pinpoint risk factors like hormone levels, fallopian tube damages, endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian conditions and ovulation disorders.

  • Don't forget to check your partner's fertility, too. Sperm quality and quantity can change over the years, and according to the National Infertility Association , approximately one-third of fertility issues are related to male factors.

  • Try an integrated approach. There are many other complementary options to Western medicine, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional therapy and supplementation, exercise and meditation that can assist you on your journey. Whether you prefer to tackle secondary infertility with a conventional approach, a more holistic approach or both, there are a variety of treatments for you to explore.

  • Don't hold your emotions in. The emotional ups and downs around conceiving can cause anger, grief, hopelessness, depression, jealousy, fear and anxiety. According to the Harvard Health Publication , the stress and anxiety levels of women dealing with infertility are often equivalent to those dealing with cancer. Unfortunately, many couples that experience secondary infertility receive less social support than those dealing with primary infertility. Too often, the pain of their infertility is minimized or criticized by others for having already successfully started a family. They're told that they should feel grateful for what they have. This causes feelings of guilt and isolation. Of course a couple can be extremely grateful for their child and still long to grow their family.
    It can be beneficial to speak to someone whom you feel connected to. Communicating pain eases the emotional burden of needing to contain it all. Seeking out a therapist or a support group can give you a broader outlook and some useful tools to deal with these difficult emotions.

  • Take care of yourself. We are very busy, and it's not uncommon to push ourselves past our limits in both our careers and personal endeavors. Secondary infertility can be an opportunity to shift your perspective and honor yourself in a way you may not usually have time to -- to examine and reassess your lifestyle and priorities.According to Dr. Alice Domar , Executive Director of the Domar Center for Mind/Body Health and the Director of Mind/Body Services at Boston IVF, women who participate in mind/body programs, in conjunction with medical treatment, experience better results than those seeking medical treatment only. Things like proper nutrition, exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, and rest are essential for your well being and self-care and can also help jumpstart your fertility. So take time for yourself. Enlist others. The support of yourself and others will set the ground for a richer, more positive experience. They say it takes a village to raise a child, but for many it takes a village to have one.

    • More from Well Rounded NY:
    Detoxing for Fertility
    The Truth about Men's Infertility
    Depression During Pregnancy

    This piece was originally published by Angela Le on Well Rounded NY. Angela Le is a highly respected fertility expert and acupuncturist. She collaborates with both patients and physicians to create the best possible conditions for conception. Founder of Fifth Avenue Fertility Wellness, Angela has been exclusively focused on reproductive health for over a decade. A thought leader in the women's health movement, Angela is committed to changing the world by enhancing fertility - one family at a time.

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