Secondary Infertility

We Treat Secondary Infertility Naturally

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Causes and Frequency of Secondary Infertility

Over three million people in the United States are affected by secondary infertility. (Chandra et al., 2013) This diagnosis occurs when a couple cannot conceive or carry a child to full-term after the birth of a biological child. The National Center for Infertility reports that secondary infertility is more common than primary infertility, but couples who experience secondary infertility are less likely to seek medical assistance because they were able to become pregnant the first time.

Virtually all people develop adhesions (strong internal scars) as they age. However, adhesions that form in the reproductive tract often cannot be detected by non-invasive tests such as X-ray, MRI, CT, or ultrasound. Typically, unless a woman undergoes surgery, which can create more adhesions, her clinician must deduce adhesive presence through a thorough review of the woman’s medical history. Thus, when a woman comes to us with secondary infertility, we first ask if she had a C-section, episiotomy, or other surgery or healing event in her pelvis. Any of these can cause adhesion formation, which can interfere with future fertility. Click here to watch an Internet video of a C-section surgery (graphic).

Whenever the reproductive tract is traumatized, collagen rushes in to help the area heal. As the collagen builds, it forms adhesions, internal scars that remain long after the body heals on the outside. Adhesions can cause nearby structures to become bound together, decreasing function, with or without pain.

Adhesions and scar tissue in the uterus may prevent proper embryo implantation. When scar tissue pulls on the uterus, it can cause spasm and miscarriage. Scar tissue around the ovaries can deter proper hormonal function or prevent the release of an egg. Scar tissue near the fallopian tubes may cause the tubes to become kinked or blocked. Adhesions may cause tightness within the vagina or cervical stiffness (stenosis), thus causing vaginal inflammation or restricting the passage of the sperm into the uterus and tubes.

When treating women with secondary infertility, we ask if they experienced any of these events (which can cause adhesion formation) since the birth of their child:

• Surgery
• Endometriosis
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Use of an intrauterine device
• Infection (vaginal, bladder, etc.)
• Fall, car accident, or other injury
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

A woman must also consider how much she has aged since her last pregnancy. If she is over 35, we consider her hormonal function in addition to mechanical function. We want to be certain that the pituitary-hypothalamus feedback loop is not restricted.

Symptoms of Secondary Infertility

One’s initial thought would probably be that the inability to conceive after already having a child is the symptom of secondary infertility. It’s not, that is just the diagnosis of the condition. Here are some symptoms you can look out for that might point your doctor toward a more concrete diagnosis:

• Pain in your lower abdomen
• Pain or bleeding during intercourse
• Burning sensation during urination
• Bleeding between periods
• Sharp abdominal cramps
• Dysmenorrhea, intense pain during menstruation
• Pain during bowel movements or urination
• Pain on one side of your body
• Fever

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to tell your doctor. He or she will be able to narrow down the cause of your secondary infertility.

Treatments for Secondary Infertility

Clear Passage®️ Treatment

The “hands-on” work practiced at Clear Passage®️ clinics is designed to reduce or eliminate adhesive bonds, called cross-links. Our work has been shown in peer-reviewed medical journals to reduce adhesions, decrease pain, and improve soft tissue mobility without the risks of surgery or drugs. We have helped hundreds of women to conceive after struggling with secondary or unexplained infertility.

No medical techniques have a 100% success rate. If we are unable to open your tubes, your chances for a successful IVF performed within 15 months after therapy increase by roughly 50%, per published studies. View our success rates. 

Other Treatment Options (Surgery, Drugs)

Without knowing the root cause of your secondary infertility, treatment options are limited. Some treatment options for women experiencing secondary infertility include: 

• IVF
• Surgery
• Medications to induce ovulation

Published Success Rates

To view Clear Passage®️ published success rates in infertility patients, please visit our Infertility Success Rates page. 

Testimonials

To read patient success stories, please visit our Patient Testimonial page.

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“If the information in this article sounds like it may relate to what you’re experiencing, the team at Clear Passage® Physical Therapy is here to help. Many people living with this condition simply want to know if there is a natural treatment option without drugs or surgery that could work for them. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. You can request more information to speak with a knowledgeable team member who will review your situation and help you understand whether this specialized therapy may be a good fit. If you’re ready to move forward, you can also apply for therapy so the clinical staff can carefully review your health history and determine the best path toward relief. Taking a few minutes to reach out could be the first step toward getting answers—and possibly getting your life back.”

Read about Infertility frequently asked questions.