Secondary infertility is when you can’t get pregnant on your own after having a successful, natural pregnancy the first time. In other words, attempt number two isn’t going quite as smoothly as you expected. There’s this common idea that if you get pregnant easily once, the second time should be just as easy, right? Spoiler alert: Not always! Anyone trying for baby number two can run into the same struggles as those trying for their first.
So, what’s going on here? Why is it happening now? Well, there are several reasons why your body might not be cooperating this time around.
First off, let’s talk about recovery. Your body may not have fully bounced back from your first pregnancy. If your cycle is still out of whack, or if you’re still breastfeeding, those can both mess with your chances of getting pregnant again. If you’re not ovulating (aka releasing an egg), there’s nothing for the sperm to fertilize, and well… no embryo to grow. So even though you might be trying, nothing’s happening.
Additionally, if you have a male partner, don't forget that sperm quality is a crucial part of the equation. If your partner has changed up his habits since baby number one (eating poorly, drinking more, late-night hot tubbing—hey, no judgment!), that could impact sperm quality. Sperm production takes about 90 days, so any changes to his lifestyle in the last few months could be affecting things. Bottom line: healthy sperm is key.
Another factor to consider: If you have a pre-existing condition like PCOS or endometriosis, those could have worsened over time, impacting everything from ovulation to egg quality—and all the in-between stuff. Inflammation can wreak havoc on your reproductive system, so it’s not something to overlook.
Did you have any complications during delivery? Maybe a C-section? Both of those can affect your uterine environment. Your uterus is kind of a big deal when it comes to getting pregnant, so anything that’s changed since your first pregnancy could impact how things go this time.
Speaking of your uterus, have you ever checked your uterine microbiome? Yes, your uterus has bacteria—surprising, right? If there’s an imbalance of harmful bacteria (called dysbiosis), it can turn your uterus into a hostile environment for an embryo. Definitely not the cozy, welcoming space you want for baby number two to settle in.
And let’s be real: age is also a factor. Since your last pregnancy, both your eggs and your partner’s sperm have, well, aged. It’s just part of life. That can impact everything from egg quality and quantity to sperm health and viability. It’s not the fun part of getting older, but it’s a reality.
There are also other potential culprits: new or worsening autoimmune conditions, infections, medications, stress, and even life changes. After baby number one, it’s easy for your health to take a back seat to parenting. But sometimes, the body just needs a little extra attention to get back on track.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as focusing on diet, exercise, and lifestyle to give your body a better chance. Other times, it’s a bit more complicated. If things aren’t improving on your own, a fertility clinic and a Reproductive Endocrinologist might be able to help. They can run tests to assess your hormones, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovulation, egg quality, sperm health, and more to get to the root cause of the issue. Sometimes, we all need a little help on the second try.
If you're feeling frustrated, confused, or just lost in the whole secondary infertility journey, don't hesitate to reach out to our Concierge Team at myStoria. We're here to guide you through it, help you figure out what’s going on, and create a plan to move forward. You don’t have to go through this alone! We've got your back.
Author: Jessie Dunn, Fertility Concierge
Sign up to get exclusive insights, advice, and stories that matter—right in your inbox.
