Causes
The main cause of secondary infertility is age. By the time some women decide to try to conceive their second, third or fourth baby, they are at least a few years older than when they started their family. For women in their mid-30s and beyond, this age difference could mean their chance of conceiving is significantly decreased.
The everyday stress of parenting can also contribute to secondary infertility. Altered self-image mixed with time pressures and sleep deprivation is a potent combination that can particularly impact the level of intimacy in a relationship. Regular sex is crucial for pregnancy – but finding the time and the energy can be difficult for couples coping with the challenge of bringing up young children.
The pressures of parenting can also lead to a poor diet and lack of exercise, and these in turn can be key factors in secondary infertility. Being overweight affects both a woman’s ovulation and the quality of the man’s sperm – but losing some of this weight and making healthy lifestyle choices can have a huge impact on boosting secondary fertility levels.