Published on: 6/12/2025
What is the difference between primary and secondary infertility in the context of PCOS?
Primary infertility is when a person has never been able to conceive, while secondary infertility occurs when someone has trouble conceiving after already having a child. PCOS can affect both types due to hormonal imbalances.
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.
(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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