• 2 de December de 2024
• Posted in Sin categoría

I Already Had a Child, but I Can’t Get Pregnant Again

Many couples face infertility crises: they have already had one or two children but wish to expand their family getting pregnant again. When they try to conceive again, their world falls apart as, despite many attempts, a new pregnancy does not happen.

In this blog, we aim to explain the reasons why some parents struggle to have another successful full-term pregnancy. Let’s explore together!

Why Haven’t I Been Able to Get Pregnant Again?

Before delving into the reasons for not being able to conceive the desired “little brother or sister,” let’s recap the definition of infertility.

Infertility is diagnosed after one year of regular, unprotected sexual activity (2-3 times per week) without conception for women under 35, or after six months for women over 35.¹

There are various potential causes, and each diagnosis must be determined by a reproduction biology specialist who can recommend the most suitable procedure based on the patient’s health and medical history.

Male Infertility²

1. Poor semen quality: A semen analysis (spermogram) is performed to assess the quality, quantity, motility, and consistency of the sperm.³
2. Testicular injuries or abnormalities: These may be accidental or congenital, such as undescended testicles, size discrepancies, or non-functioning testicles.²
3. Tumors: Cancer can cause hormonal changes, and treatments may result in irreversible damage.²
4. Damage to seminal ducts: These blockages prevent the semen from being transported outside the body.⁴

Female Infertility

1. Fallopian tube blockages: Obstructions prevent sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus. Prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries and sexually transmitted infections can be causes.⁵
2. Cancer: Treatments like chemotherapy can impact emotional, hormonal, and physical health, affecting fertility.⁶
3. Irregular cycles: Difficulty determining ovulation makes targeting fertilization challenging, causing frustration and delays.⁵
4. Endometriosis scars: This condition involves tissue growing outside the uterus, causing pain during intercourse and preventing embryo implantation.⁵
5. Adenomyosis: Thickening of the uterine walls due to endometrial tissue growing into the muscle layer causes heavy and painful periods, complicating conception.⁷
6. Complications from previous pregnancies or deliveries: Physical or hormonal aftermaths, including uterine interventions or medication effects, can hinder subsequent pregnancies.¹
7. Advanced age (over 35): Egg quality and quantity decline with age, making conception more challenging.⁵

Weight issues or eating disorders: A high or low BMI can disrupt ovulation. Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy BMI improves the chances of conception.⁵

What Solutions Exist to Help Me Get Pregnant?

Here are some potential solutions, though consultation with a reproduction biology specialist is crucial to tailor a treatment to your needs:⁸

1. Medications: These treatments induce ovulation for women with irregular cycles.
2. Artificial Insemination (AI): Selected sperm is introduced into the uterus using a catheter to facilitate fertilization. Donor sperm can be used if necessary.
3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are extracted, fertilized in a lab, and transferred into the uterus.
4. Corrective surgeries: Scar tissue or fibroids can be removed to improve uterine conditions.

If you have decided to grow your family, UR-Crea is here to support you at every step of your journey toward fulfilling your dream.

About UR-Crea: 

At UR-Crea Reproductive Medicine, we have over 30 years of experience offering treatments like IVF, ovarian rejuvenation, egg donation, and the ROPA method.
We conduct personalized diagnostic protocols with a multidisciplinary team of specialists in gynecology, reproductive biology, embryology, perinatology, anesthesiology, and nursing.
We make the dreams of aspiring parents come true with ethical, professional, and human-centered care. Visit us to learn more!

References: 

1. Top Doctors. infertility: What are the treatments available? [Internet]. Consulted in October 2024. Available at: https://www.topdoctors.mx/articulos-medicos/infertilidad-cuales-son-los-tratamientos-disponibles/ 
2. Mayo clinic. Male infertility. [Internet]. Consulted in October 2024. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773 
3. Medline plus. Semen analysis [Internet] Consulted in October 2024. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/pruebas-de-laboratorio/analisis-de-semen/ 
4. UR-Crea blog. infertility symptoms on men. [Internet]. [Consultado en octubre 2024]. Disponible  Consulted in October 2024. Available at:  https://ur-crea.mx/2024/05/23/sintomas-de-infertilidad-en-hombres-blog-ur-crea/ 
5. Mayo clinic. Female infertility.  [Internet]. Consulted in October 2024. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308 
6. Cáncer. How cancer treatment can affect fertility. [Internet]. Consulted in October 2024. Available at:  https://www.cancer.org/es/cancer/como-sobrellevar-el-cancer/efectos-secundarios/efectos-secundarios-sobre-la-fertilidad-y-la-sexualidad/como-afectan-los-tratamientos-del-cancer-a-la-fertilidad.html
7. Mayo clinic. Adenomiosis. [Internet]. Consulted in October 2024. Available at:  https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369138 
8. Cleveland clinic. Secondary infertility. [Internet]. Consulted in October 2024. Available at:  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21139-secondary-infertility