TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Why it's hard to get pregnant after the first child
Many couples want to have more than just one child, but sometimes their wish cannot be easily fulfilled because they might have difficulties conceiving after the first child.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Lifestyle plays a crucial role in your efforts to conceive. (Shutterstock/-)
M
any couples want to have more than just one child, but sometimes their wish cannot be easily fulfilled because they might have difficulties conceiving after the first child. This condition is referred to as second infertility and it is more prevalent than infertility (couples who are unable to conceive). There are multiple reasons for this syndrome.
Possible problems with your reproductive system
Generally, your chance of conceiving declines with age, particularly from the age of 35 and above. On the other hand, there might be other problems concerning your reproductive system before or after your childbearing period. It is crucial that you consult your doctor to investigate any possible conditions that may interrupt your ability to conceive, including ovulation disorders, damage to the uterus or the fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory disease or blockages caused by fibroids. Moreover, the possibility of miscarriage increases with age and diabetes.
Possible problems with your partner
The age of 35 marks a decline in fertility for both men and women. If your partner is aged 35 or above, his hormones, tubes and sperm will be more vulnerable. Furthermore, he might be subject to a shortage of healthy sperm or low-quality sperm, which means the sperm is not strong enough to get to your eggs. These conditions can be attributed to illness, poor diet or lifestyle.
(Read also: Reasons other than infertility that stop you getting pregnant)
Changes in lifestyle
Lifestyle plays a crucial role in your efforts to conceive. It is important to maintain your optimal weight since being either overweight or underweight has a negative effect on your fertility. Alcohol and smoking also harms your fertility.
Unidentified causes
Many couples face second infertility without knowing the causes. Nonetheless, around 15 percent of this population succeeds in conceiving after a year and 35 percent after two years.
There is a higher chance for couples under 30 than for those over 30. If your efforts don’t pay off after a certain time, then sadly it might be time to let go of your ideal family size.
There are many causes of second infertility. It is important that you visit a fertility expert for further information and to decide the right approach to deal with this health condition. (kes)
