Secondary Infertility: An Often Overlooked Diagnosis
Recognizing the Silent Struggle During Canadian Fertility Awareness Week
During Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW), much of the national conversation focuses on the statistic that 1 in 6 Canadians experience infertility. What is discussed less frequently is secondary infertility, the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after previously giving birth without fertility treatment.
Despite prior success conceiving, secondary infertility is medically common and warrants the same evaluation and care as primary infertility.
What Is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility is diagnosed when:
- Individuals under age 35 have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success
- Individuals aged 35 and over have been trying for 6 months without success
The diagnostic criteria are identical to those of primary infertility. However, because a previous pregnancy occurred, symptoms are often dismissed, or evaluation is delayed.
Causes of Secondary Infertility
Fertility is dynamic and can change over time. Common causes include:
- Age-related decline in egg quality and quantity
- Male factor infertility (changes in sperm count, motility, or morphology)
- Ovulatory disorders, including PCOS or thyroid dysfunction
- Tubal factors or uterine abnormalities
- Endometriosis
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Unexplained infertility
Why Awareness Matters During Canadian Fertility Awareness Week
Secondary infertility can be particularly isolating. Many individuals delay seeking care because they assume conception will happen again naturally.
Canadian Fertility Awareness Week is an opportunity to:
- Normalize conversations about all forms of infertility
- Encourage earlier fertility assessments
- Reduce stigma around seeking medical evaluation
- Support families navigating unexpected reproductive challenges
Infertility is defined by difficulty conceiving, not by whether a prior pregnancy occurred.
When to Seek a Fertility Assessment
Consider consulting a fertility specialist if:
- You meet age-based timelines (12 months under 35; 6 months over 35)
- You experience irregular cycles
- You have a history of miscarriage
- You have known reproductive health conditions
Early evaluation can provide clarity, identify treatable causes, and help guide next steps. Get a referral from your general practitioner to PCRM and let us guide you along your fertility journey.
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About the PCRM Blog
Welcome to the Pacific Fertility Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog! Nationally and internationally recognized for providing exceptional reproductive care, our team believes in empowering people with the knowledge they need to navigate their unique fertility journeys.
From information on the latest fertility treatments to valuable insights on egg donation, surrogacy, and everything in between, the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Blog is your ultimate resource for all things reproductive care and support. Read on to learn more, and contact us today if you have any questions or want to schedule a new patient appointment.