What is the difference between primary and secondary infertility in the context of PCOS?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Primary infertility means never having conceived, while secondary infertility refers to difficulty conceiving after previously giving birth. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause either type by disrupting ovulation through hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and elevated androgen levels.

If you suspect PCOS or are struggling to conceive, understanding your symptoms is the critical first step. Waiting often delays diagnosis and treatment, which can matter significantly for fertility outcomes. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to clarify what may be causing your concerns and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why infertility and PCOS happen See if your infertility needs care Find likely causes of secondary infertility Compare OTC options for PCOS symptoms Find a doctor for infertility and PCOS Learn medically valid home remedies for PCOS Understand if infertility could be PCOS

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Explanation

Infertility is when a person has trouble getting pregnant. There are two types: primary and secondary infertility.

Primary Infertility

This is when someone has never been able to get pregnant.
People with PCOS may have primary infertility because PCOS can cause irregular periods and problems with ovulation.

Secondary Infertility

This is when someone has trouble getting pregnant after already having a child.
Even if someone has had a baby before, PCOS can still make it hard to get pregnant again because of similar issues with hormone levels and ovulation.

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, affects how the ovaries work. This can cause problems with getting pregnant in both primary and secondary infertility. Understanding these differences can help people know what to expect and how to seek help if they are having trouble getting pregnant. If you're experiencing symptoms related to PCOS or fertility concerns, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be happening with your body.

(References)

Vander Borght M, & Wyns C. (2018). Fertility and infertility: Definition and epidemiology. Clinical biochemistry, 29555319.
Benksim A, Elkhoudri N, Addi RA, Baali A, & Cherkaoui M. (2018). Difference between Primary and Secondary Infertility in .... International journal of fertility & sterility, 29707931.
Collins JA, Rand CA, Wilson EH, Wrixon W, & Casper RF. (1986). The better prognosis in secondary infertility is associated .... Fertility and sterility, 3699169.

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