Locations:
Search IconSearch

Secondary Infertility: Why You Might Have Trouble Getting Pregnant Again

Common causes and when to seek help

A child hugging a pregnant person

After having your first baby, you might think that getting pregnant a second will happen just as easily, but that’s not always true.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

While many couples have no problem conceiving the second time around, millions of couples struggle with secondary infertility, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. This includes couples who experienced infertility but eventually had a successful pregnancy.

Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy following the delivery of a child. While it isn’t uncommon, the good news is that you’re more likely to have a successful second pregnancy if you already have a child, says Ob/Gyn Laura Detti, MD.

If you’re struggling to conceive but still hoping for another child, here are six possible reasons you may have a problem getting pregnant again — and when you should seek help.

1. You’re a woman over age 35

It’s probably no surprise that one of the most important factors that influences a woman’s chance of getting pregnant is age. Changes in hormones and risk for certain diseases also increase as we age, and both can impact fertility, she says.

“Woman in their mid- to late-30s and older are more likely to experience secondary infertility since eggs are lost as we age,” says Dr. Detti.

But if you’re in your mid-30s and are still waiting for a second child, don’t despair: “Just because it might take you longer to get pregnant doesn’t mean you won’t get pregnant again — it just means you have less time to work with,” she says.

2. You’re a man whose sperm count is low

You likely know that age, health or medications sometimes affect sperm quality or quantity. But it surprises many men to learn that some common practices can decrease sperm production. They include:

  • Taking testosterone supplements.
  • Exposing the testes to heat.

“The testes are outside of the body for a reason,” Dr. Detti says. “If they are too warm, either from tight clothing (think biker shorts) or use of electronics, it can affect sperm counts.”

3. You’re a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that can disrupt ovulation, is a common cause of secondary (and primary) infertility. If your periods are irregular or absent, talk with your doctor to see if you might have PCOS.

In addition to PCOS, abnormalities caused by previous surgeries or an infection also may cause infertility.

4. You’re overweight

In both men and women, being overweight can cause challenges with conceiving. In women, added pounds can contribute to insulin resistance and elevated testosterone levels, which can stifle ovulation. Also, implantation rates are lower for those who are overweight (or underweight) than for those at a healthy weight.

For men, excess weight can increase estrogen levels, leading to lower sperm counts.

5. You drink too much alcohol

For men or women, drinking too much alcohol can cause problems with conception.

“Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption in women (more than two drinks per day or more than seven drinks per week) increases the time it takes to conceive and reduces your chances of delivering a healthy baby,” says Dr. Detti.

Advertisement

Men who are trying to conceive can also benefit from drinking less alcohol. Moderate to heavy consumption can disrupt hormones and hinder sperm production.

6. You smoke

While it’s no surprise that smoking isn’t good for you, you might not know that smoking can wreak havoc on your fertility, too. Women who smoke are more likely to experience infertility. Smoking can damage eggs and cause ovulation problems, Dr. Detti says.

Men aren’t off the hook either. Research shows that smoking may damage sperm DNA.

Patience is good, but don’t wait too long to get help

If you are trying to get pregnant again, try to relax and not worry too much — at least at first.

However, if you have been trying for a year and still haven’t conceived, talk to your Ob/Gyn or fertility specialist. And if you’re over age 36, consider talking with your doctor sooner — once you have tried for three or four menstrual cycles without success, Dr. Detti says.

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Smiling pregnant person speaking with healthcare provider in medical office
June 14, 2024/Heart Health
Why Your Heart Needs Special Attention When You’re Pregnant

Obesity, age and preexisting heart conditions can all raise your risk of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy

Pregnant person talking with caregiver in medical office
Will Perineal Massage Keep You From Tearing During Childbirth?

Science is mixed, but if you want to try stretching your perineum, here’s how to do it safely

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

Female sitting on couch looking at a pregnancy test stick, holding cell phone
This May Surprise You — But You Can Get Pregnant on Your Period

While it’s probably not your most fertile time, it is possible to get pregnant if you have unprotected sex during your period

Support people helping pregnant person giving birth
Baby Go-Time: Advice for Dads and Other Support People

Plan ahead, pack that bag, be attentive and be an advocate

Male and pregnant female looking out window pensively
Couvade Syndrome: When Partners Develop Pregnancy Symptoms

Sympathetic pregnancy is real and can cause nausea, vomiting, weight gain, fatigue and other symptoms

Pregnant woman with partner and caregiver in three possible birthing postions
Explore Your Options: Labor and Birthing Positions To Consider

Sitting, squatting and side-lying may provide a more comfortable labor and delivery

Pregnant woman sitting on couch at home holding her stomach and back, wincing in discomfort
April 25, 2024/Pregnancy & Childbirth
10 Signs Labor May Be Beginning

Everyone’s unique, and there’s no exact checklist of symptoms, but you may feel contractions, cramps and pelvic pressure

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad