These are possible reasons if you\u2019re aiming for number two but have problems conceiving again:<\/p>\n
1. Age<\/span><\/p>\n Because couples are getting hitched later, they are also have their first child at an older age. However, shelving one\u2019s procreation plans until a woman is in her early 30s is a key cause of secondary infertility, since a woman\u2019s fertility declines with age, especially after their mid-30s. The man\u2019s sperm count can also be affected by age, health or medication, or exposing the testes to heat from wearing tight clothing.<\/p>\n \u201cInfertility among Singaporean couples exists on an endemic scale, with over 10 per cent of them suffering from some degree of infertility. See a suitable fertility specialist early if you suspect something is amiss, such as pelvic pain or irregular cycles.\u201d<\/p>\n 2. Weight issues<\/span><\/p>\n Being obese or overweight can lead to problems with ovulation and hence, challenges with conceiving. Moreover, extra weight on women could cause insulin resistance, a precursor to developing type 2 diabetes, and greater testosterone levels. These conditions can impair the women\u2019s ability to conceive naturally.<\/p>\n 3. Hormonal imbalance (Polycystic ovary syndrome)<\/span><\/p>\n A regular menstrual cycle help couples to figure out when they should do the horizontal mambo. However, if the woman suffers from irregular menstruation or absent periods, that can make anticipating ovulation unpredictable and make it more challenging to conceive.<\/p>\n Women with irregular periods may be suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, which disrupts ovulation and leads to infertility.<\/p>\n 4. Womb abnormalities<\/span><\/p>\n Dr Teo recounts the case of Madam C, a 34-year-old who failed to conceive again despite trying for three years after a normal delivery of her daughter. She had experienced heavy menstrual bleeding for two years. An ultrasound scan revealed multiple fibroids growing in her womb cavity (which led to a distorted womb), as well as near her right fallopian tube, which caused a blockage. After laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, her fibroids were removed \u2015 she conceived eight months later and delivered a healthy baby boy.<\/p>\n 5. Endometriosis<\/span><\/p>\n Endometriosis refers to a condition where tissue lining the uterus interior also rows outside, such as on in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Typical symptoms include pelvic pain of varying severity, menstrual cramps and painful intercourse.<\/p>\n Dr Teo\u2019s patient, Madam L, 36, had been trying to conceive again for four years. However, she suffered from severe menstrual cramps and discovered that it was because of pelvic endometriosis after laparoscopy. After surgery, her menstrual cramps became less severe. She conceived eight months later and delivered a full-term baby.<\/p>\n 6. Adhesions<\/span><\/p>\n Caused by infection, inflammation diseases, or previous surgery, these are internal scars or abnormal bands of scar tissue that join organs or parts of organs abnormally. Adhesions may cause infertility as they kink the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting, or disrupts the implantation of a fertilised embryo in the womb.<\/p>\n 7. Poor diet<\/span><\/p>\n A poor diet can affect a woman\u2019s ovulatory function. A high-carb diet isn\u2019t advisable as studies have found high insulin levels seem to stifle ovulation. Consider high-fibre foods from more diverse grains (such as millet, quinoa or buckwheat which contains d-chiro-inositol, a compound that improves ovulation) and minimise trans fats found in fried, processed or baked foods. Experts advise that even prior to getting pregnant, you should eat the right foods to prep your body, so include the right nutrients, especially folic acid.<\/p>\n \u201cSecondary infertility isn\u2019t too different from primary infertility, with similar causes. Seek help if you can\u2019t conceive after more than a year of regular intercourse if you are less than 35 years old or more than 6 months if you are 35 years or older.\u201d<\/p>\n 8. Medication<\/span><\/p>\n Medication may affect woman\u2019s ability to ovulate or a man\u2019s sperm count. While most medication may linger in our body for a few days, some, such as chemotherapy drugs or birth control drugs, remains in the system for a longer time. This means that your body may take time to revert to its optimal fertility. So, do check with your doctor regarding the drug\u2019s impact on your pregnancy plans.<\/p>\n 9. Lifestyle choices<\/span><\/p>\n Smoking and alcohol consumption could reduce your pregnancy chances. Limit caffeine to no more than a cup a day, avoid extreme exercise (such as intensive training for marathons), exposure to environmental pollutants such as pesticides. Get sufficient rest \u2015 late nights affects hormone production and put you at higher rest of infertility. Although stress does not prevent you from getting pregnant, practise relaxation techniques for optimal health.<\/p>\n \u201cSecondary infertility isn\u2019t too different from primary infertility, with similar causes. Seek help if you can\u2019t conceive after more than a year of regular intercourse if you are less than 35 years old or more than 6 months if you are 35 years or older,\u201d advises Thomson Medical Centre\u2019s obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Pamela Tan.<\/p>\n Strategies to boost your chances of conceiving again<\/p>\n Dr Steven Teo, obstetrician and gynaecologist from STO+G Laparoscopy & Fertility Practice, at Thomson Medical Centre, suggests the following tactics to improve your chances of conceiving again.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/stogpractice.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Conceiving-9-reasons-why-you-cant-conceive-again-2.jpeg\")
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