The Hidden Pain Of Secondary Infertility

Many couples struggle with issues of infertility when trying to conceive for the first time and it is easy for most of us to sympathize with their struggles. A much less acknowledged and understood problem is difficulty in conceiving after having had a child or children. It isn’t talked about as much, but secondary infertility can be every bit as painful and difficult for a couple as standard infertility.

If you are experiencing secondary infertility, there are some steps you can take to help increase your chances of conception. First and foremost is to be conscientious of your own health. Eating right, exercising and avoiding smoking and alcohol, both of which can drastically affect fertility, are all keys to increasing your chances of successfully conceiving.

Try not to pressure yourselves too much. The more emphasis you put on trying to conceive, scheduling around your optimum ovulation period and removing the spontaneity from your love life, the more likely you are to actually decrease your chances for conception. Though hectic schedules and a heavy work load may make scheduling tempting, the best idea is to stick to as relaxed and unstructured a routine as possible. The less stress you put on yourselves the better.

If successful conception continues to elude you, you may want to consider alternative therapies such as herbal treatments or supplements. Of course, as with any medical treatments, you should always consult with your doctor before starting them to make sure they are right for you.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to acknowledge your emotions. Infertility is a very stressful issue at any point in a couple’s life, but people tend to be less sympathetic when you already have a child or children, especially couples who may be having trouble conceiving at all. Still, the desire to increase the size of your family, to give your existing child a sibling or siblings, can be overwhelming. Accepting that you are facing an extraordinary struggle is an important first step. Allow yourself to feel sad or anxious and find some sort of support system to help you through. The pain of secondary infertility is very real but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, just remember to relax and try and take things one step at a time.