When wanting a second pregnancy, couples often have high expectations and believe that they will achieve it immediately, especially if the first pregnancy was achieved in a short time. However, it might not happen like this no matter how hard you try and this can cause frustration, depression, guilt and even conflict in the couple for not knowing what is happening.
In many cases, this does not reflect a problem in the fertility of the couple and although it takes a little longer, conception will occur without major difficulties or without the need for specific treatment, although it is always advisable to consult a professional before any doubt. For this reason, if you have wondered why I am not getting pregnant for the second time , in this FastlyHealarticle, we provide you with the best information that may be of help to you.
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How long does it take to get pregnant a second time?
Despite what is thought, it is not so rare that a couple when seeking a second pregnancy does not achieve it as easily and it is considered normal to take up to 12 months to get pregnant since they began to try it regularly without using contraceptive methods. However, if conception does not occur during this time, it could be an indicator of a problem in reproductive capacity, and it is important to consult a specialist and carry out a fertility study for both men and women.
If within a year you cannot get pregnant a second time, it is considered to be a case of secondary infertility , that is, despite having previously had a successful pregnancy, there are difficulties in the conception of the next child. The causes can be diverse and it is estimated that in 30% to 40% of cases the problem stems from women, while in 10% to 30% it is secondary infertility in men; however, it is also possible that both present abnormalities in their reproductive capacity at the same time, occurring in 15% to 30% of cases.
Depending on the cause of secondary infertility, it can cause in women that the ovaries do not produce eggs properly, that they do not move for fertilization or cannot pass to the uterus, that the fertilized egg cannot implant in the endometrium for its development or that it does manage to fix, but the pregnancy does not reach term.
As for the man, it can generate a lower production of sperm or the normal quantity but of low quality or defective, also the causing disorder can prevent the movement or release of sperm.
Factors that can prevent a second pregnancy
When asked why I don’t get pregnant a second time no matter how hard I try, one of the following factors could be the answer. However, the doctor is the one who must determine the cause and indicate if any special treatment is needed for it.
Age
It is one of the most important factors and can be closely related to secondary infertility, especially with women because they are most fertile between 20 and 25 years of age and gradually decreases while increasing the chances of spontaneous abortions , so that from the age of 35 it can take longer to get a pregnancy. Although in men the reproductive capacity is not so limited, the rate of successful pregnancies is lower after the age of 42 compared to men under the age of 30.
State of mind
Being going through a lot of stress, anxiety or fatigue can modify the reproductive cycle in women and the quantity and quality of seminal in men or not achieve an erection. These episodes of mental alteration can increase with the frustration of not achieving conception in a short time, which makes it more difficult.
Eating disorders
Both malnutrition, obesity, the drastic increase or reduction of body weight can create a hormonal imbalance, which in women alters the menstrual cycle and in men the seminal quality and the maturation of sperm.
Use of harmful substances
The excessive consumption of narcotics, tobacco or alcohol can alter the quality and production of sexual gametes, among other alterations.
Excessive exercise
These intense practices can affect the normal level of certain hormones that control the stages of the menstrual cycle, causing the inhibition of ovulation or making it impossible to implant the fertilized egg in the endometrium. If you follow a strenuous exercise routine, this could be the answer to the question why I am not getting pregnant a second time.
Diseases
Conditions that somehow interfere with the production of gametes, hormones or the proper functioning of the reproductive system can prevent or hinder a second pregnancy. These include sexually transmitted diseases, ovarian cysts , retrograde ejaculation , varicocele, tumors or cancer, autoimmune disorders, thyroid diseases, and even diabetes.
Alterations that were activated with the first pregnancy
In several cases, some disorders are present from before conceiving the first child, but they did not present symptoms or it was in an early stage, so the delivery could accelerate the process or intensify it. The most common are endometriosis , polycystic ovary syndrome , amenorrhea, poor healing from cesarean section, injury to the uterus or fallopian tubes.
Some medical treatments
This due to its side effects, such as impotence, decreased libido and the correct production of sex cells. Being subjected to chemotherapy, radiation or a high administration of certain anti-inflammatories could be the cause of having problems getting a second pregnancy.
Some tips to get pregnant
If there are problems getting pregnant again, the specialist will give the treatment and recommendations according to the cause, so it is necessary to follow the indications to have a greater probability of success. On the other hand, some general tips can be considered to facilitate this work , including:
- Identify your fertile days to achieve pregnancy, which are those that correspond to the maturation and release of the egg ready to be fertilized.
- Follow a balanced diet, since a deficiency in certain nutrients can negatively affect the functioning of the body and, with it, make it difficult to conceive a new child. It is important that the couple include in the diet foods that provide folic acid, vitamin C and E, calcium, zinc and iron.
- Do moderate exercise, swimming or even daily walks can be a good option. With this, in addition to improving the mood, the functioning of the reproductive organs is stimulated.
- Sleep the necessary hours, allow a good rest and maintain a balanced life, which favors the health of the body and that the reproductive capacity is adequate.
- Do activities that relax you, whether it’s practicing some relaxation techniques like yoga and acupuncture or taking time for yourself and pampering yourself.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why don’t I get pregnant a second time , we recommend that you enter our Pregnancy and Baby Health category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.