Primary Vs Secondary Infertility: The Basic Differences

#INFERTILITY

Topic : Primary Vs Secondary Infertility: The Basic Differences

#Overview

Infertility is a huge enemy of progress especially when everything seems normal, but yet no comforting fruit of the womb. This singular factor has strained many good marriages and relationships. There are so many couples that have gone above and beyond to conceive and birth a child. Oftentimes these couples embark on a long tortuous quest without any favorable result. This article aims to clear the air on standard definitions and concepts in infertility.

#Definition

Infertility is the state of being unable to become pregnant after a year (1year) of having frequent sexual intercourse without using any birth control methods. Infertility may also refer to a state when a female gets pregnant but has recurrent miscarriages or intra uterine death. We should additionally note that Infertility affects men and women equally. In some regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa, it is a generally held belief that infertility is solely a problem with women. Simply put, this claim is erroneous and baseless.

#Differences

In Primary Infertility, the woman has never had a successful birth of a child whereas in secondary infertility, there is an inability to conceive after having already had a successful birth. The duration that must be met for the two types is one year. For couples to qualify as having infertility, they would have been trying to conceive for a year.

The majority of primary infertility may be due to structural problems from birth in either the man or the woman. It may also be due to some hormone imbalance in either of the two couples. Both types of infertility are equally common amongst couples. Sometimes, the problem leading to infertility can be identified and can be easily fixed. For example, in some cases, secondary infertility may be due to an anomaly in the hormones, or in the reproductive organs and other medical conditions.

Secondary infertility are more amenable when compared to primary infertility. Some causes of secondary infertility such as a blockage in the Fallopian tubes, can be diagnosed and corrected. The impact of infertility can be every bit as devastating more so if it is unexplained. The feelings of guilt and confusion are often overwhelming and it is important for couples to seek whatever help they need to be able to understand and explore possibilities of conception.

~ Dr Babajide Alalade

ATG Group