What is secondary infertility, and how does it relate to PCOS?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Secondary infertility is when someone who has previously had a baby is unable to conceive again, and it can be affected by conditions like PCOS.

Important Next Steps

Discover if PCOS could be causing infertility Learn what your infertility symptoms might mean See if secondary infertility needs care now Find OTC options for fertility-related symptoms Find a doctor for infertility or PCOS Understand home remedies for PCOS symptoms Find likely causes of secondary infertility

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Explanation

Secondary infertility occurs when a person who has already had a baby is unable to conceive again after trying for a certain period. This condition can be influenced by various factors, including health conditions like PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

What is Secondary Infertility?

It is defined as the inability to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after previously having a successful pregnancy.
Secondary infertility can be caused by a range of factors, such as age, weight, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

How Does PCOS Relate to Secondary Infertility?

PCOS, a common hormonal disorder, can affect a woman's ability to ovulate regularly, which is important for conception.
Women with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, which can make it harder to predict ovulation and achieve pregnancy.

If you're experiencing symptoms or concerns related to fertility, you can start by taking a free AI symptom checker test to better understand your health and guide your conversation with a healthcare provider about treatment options for secondary infertility.

(References)

Vander Borght M, & Wyns C. (2018). Fertility and infertility: Definition and epidemiology. Clinical biochemistry, 29555319.
Collins JA, Rand CA, Wilson EH, Wrixon W, & Casper RF. (1986). The better prognosis in secondary infertility is associated .... Fertility and sterility, 3699169.
Fatima W, Akhtar AM, Hanif A, Gilani A, & Farooq SMY. (2023). Predicted risk factors associated with secondary infertility in .... Frontiers in medicine, 38590911.

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