By: Dr. Peggy Bastien, OB/GYN, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Concerned about your health? Experts from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton are ready to answer readers’ questions. Send your questions to askthedoc@rwjuhh.edu.
Q. We have been trying to conceive our second child for some time now. When should we see a doctor for medical advice?
A. Most people believe that once you’ve had a child, there should be no problems conceiving again in the future. Unfortunately, this is not always true.
Secondary infertility — the inability to get pregnant despite having frequent, unprotected sex for at least a year by a couple who previously had a child — accounts for 60 percent of infertility cases.
The reasons for secondary infertility can be similar to primary infertility. Age and reproductive health, including egg or sperm quality, may be a cause. In addition, small changes since you were last pregnant, such as an infection, weight gain, poor diet or use of certain medications, can affect your ability to conceive. Other common explanations for secondary infertility include ovulation problems, uterine fibroids or polyps, endometriosis and pelvic adhesions.
As age can be the most significant factor, women 35 or older are advised to seek medical help after six months of unsuccessful attempts at trying to conceive. In many cases, certain medical histories, conditions or symptoms should be addressed before a successful conception can occur.
For women, two or more miscarriages, irregular or painful periods and increased or burning vaginal discharge should be addressed with an OB/GYN physician.
For men, decreased sex drive, painful ejaculations or impotence should be addressed with a urologist.
Your doctor can guide you toward next steps and refer you to an infertility specialist if needed.
This content is intended to encourage a healthy lifestyle. For medical advice and treatment, see a physician.
