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Proudly part of the City Fertility Network
Secondary infertility occurs when you’re unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after previously having a child, and while it can feel unexpected, it’s more common than many people realise. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when things happened easily the first time. There are many causes of secondary infertility and at City Fertility we will provide comprehensive testing, expert care and personalised treatment to help you add another baby to your family.
Secondary infertility occurs when a couple who have previously conceived are unable to achieve another pregnancy after a year or more of regular unprotected intercourse. It is different from primary infertility, which affects those who have never achieved a pregnancy before. Secondary infertility can impact both men and women and may be due to medical, lifestyle, or age-related factors, though sometimes the cause remains unexplained. Because fertility naturally changes over time, early assessment can help identify any underlying issues and improve the chance of a successful pregnancy.
Secondary infertility is more common than many people expect. While there are few official statistics on the prevalence of secondary infertility in Australia, it is thought that it affects 1 in 10 couples. Even after a successful first pregnancy, fertility can change over time. Factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle changes for both men and women can impact the ability to conceive again.
Secondary infertility can occur for several reasons, even after a successful first pregnancy. The most common causes of infertility include:
• Advanced maternal age: Egg quantity and quality declines as we age, as does the chance of conception.
• Previous pregnancy complications: Conditions like endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes.
• Lifestyle and health changes: Weight fluctuations, stress, or chronic illnesses.
• Hormonal or structural issues: Irregular cycles, ovulation problems, or uterine abnormalities.
• Male factors: Reduced sperm count or motility.
Learn more about these causes in our blog on secondary infertility by Dr Anne Poliness.
If you’re wondering how to deal with secondary infertility, early investigation is key. Diagnosis usually involves standard tests for both partners. You can expect hormone tests to check ovulation and reproductive health, semen analysis to assess sperm count and quality and ultrasound to examine ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes for any structural issues.
Starting these tests early can help identify the causes of secondary infertility and determine the best treatment.
Your fertility specialist will discuss with you recommend fertility treatment for secondary infertility. This will be based on the results of your tests, your age and how many more children you want to have. Many couples with secondary infertility have been trying for some time, expecting it will happen, so choosing a treatment with the highest success rate is often the best approach. IVF offers the greatest chance of conception compared to other fertility treatment, especially when time and age are important factors.
Your fertility specialist will discuss the success rates you can expect with each treatment and if you want to learn more read our blog on the difference between IUI and IVF.
The following treatments are the most common for secondary infertility:
• Ovulation Induction: Which uses medications to stimulate ovulation.
• Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI): A fertility procedure where washed and concentrated sperm is directly inserted into a woman’s uterus around the time of ovulation to improve the chances of conceiving.
• Surgery: Corrects issues such as fibroids, endometriosis, or blocked tubes.
• In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body in a specialist incubator. After several days the fertilised egg, which is now an embryo, is transferred back into the female partner’s uterus.
• ICSI: A specialised IVF technique for severe male infertility.
• Lifestyle Changes: Healthy weight, balanced diet, exercise, and reducing stress can boost success rates.
To learn more about IVF success rates for secondary infertility? Book an appointment with City Fertility for expert guidance and personalised treatment.
City Fertility have helped tens of thousands of individuals and couples to become parents, and we would love to help you to. Our experienced fertility specialists will create a personalised treatment plan and guide you through every step of your secondar infertility journey. With 18 IVF clinics, 50 consulting locations and over 60 specialists around Australia, there is always a City Fertility specialist to help you.
A Caesarean section (C-Section) does not usually cause secondary infertility, but in some cases it may contribute to difficulties conceiving again. Scar tissue can form in the uterus following surgery, sometimes leading to a condition known as isthmocele or a Caesarean scar defect, which may interfere with embryo implantation. Adhesions or internal scar tissue can also affect the fallopian tubes, which can make it harder for sperm and egg to meet.
However, most people who have had a C-Section go on to become pregnant without any issues. If you are experiencing delays in conceiving after a C-Section, it is important to see a fertility specialist for assessment to help determine whether the scar or another factor is contributing, so the right treatment or support can be offered.
Yes. Many individuals and couples experiencing secondary infertility are able to conceive again with the right support and treatment. The best steps usually begin with a fertility assessment to identify potential causes such as age-related factors, hormonal imbalances, sperm issues, ovulation problems, or fallopian tube changes.
Depending on the findings, lifestyle adjustments, medication to improve ovulation, surgical options, or assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may help improve the chances of pregnancy. Working closely with a fertility specialist helps ensure that you receive personalised guidance and the most appropriate treatment plan for your situation.
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Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Once testing is completed, a fertility specialist may recommend options such as ovulation-support medications, lifestyle changes, or supplements to improve sperm quality. If fallopian tube blockage, scar tissue or fibroids are present, surgery may be appropriate.
IVF or IUI can help when age-related factors or unexplained infertility are involved. Your care team will guide you through each step and tailor treatment to your situation, ensuring you have the right support and the best chance of conceiving again.
You may be experiencing secondary infertility if you are unable to conceive again after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months if you are over 35). Other signs may include irregular periods, known reproductive conditions, or concerns related to a previous pregnancy or birth.
Because fertility changes naturally over time, delays do not always indicate a problem, but early assessment is recommended. A fertility specialist can arrange blood tests, semen analysis and ultrasound to help determine what may be affecting your fertility and guide the next steps.
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