If you have found yourself staring at negative pregnancy tests month after month, wondering why it’s so hard to conceive for the second time, you are not alone. You might be feeling confused, frustrated, and maybe even a little betrayed by your own body, but secondary infertility is more common than you might think. Most couples who have been through the beautiful, life-changing journey of having a child expect that pregnancies can happen again quickly, and this unexpected difficulty could be a result of secondary infertility. Wondering what it is and how can an IVF centre in Gurgaon help you overcome this? Here you go!
What is Secondary Infertility?
Secondary infertility is when you are unable to get pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after already giving birth to a child (or children), without using fertility treatments before. It can come as a complete shock, but sadly our bodies don’t always follow the plans we make. In fact, as per studies, the prevalence of this condition in India rose to 28.6% in 2015-16, marking a 5.9% increase. People might say things like, “At least you have one child,” as if your longing for another kid somehow becomes less valid, but your heart knows better, and so do we.
Why Does It Happen?
Some of the common causes of secondary infertility include:
- Age: You might be a few years older now, and fertility naturally declines with age for both women and men.
- Hormonal changes: Conditions like thyroid issues, PCOS, or premature ovarian ageing can develop over time.
- Scar tissue or complications from previous pregnancies: Even a perfect birth experience can leave behind changes you can’t see.
- Lifestyle factors: Stress, weight changes, or other health issues can also play a massive role than you realize.
Male factor infertility: Sperm quality and quantity can change over time too.
Emotional Impact: It’s More Than Physical
Secondary infertility often brings with it a unique form of grief, which is silent and misunderstood. You might feel guilty for wanting more, or worse, invalidated by others who think one child should be enough. This emotional weight can be overwhelming.
You may also feel isolated in your pain because the society assumes that once you have a child, your fertility journey is “complete.” This can lead to feelings of loneliness, guilt, envy, and even depression.
Tip: Don’t bottle it all in. Consider joining a support group or talking to a fertility counselor. Shared experiences can help lighten the load and provide much-needed perspective that can make your journey easier.
Make space for your emotions. Journal, meditate, and most importantly, be kind to yourself. You are not broken. You are not failing. You are navigating one of life’s hardest journeys with so much courage.
What Can You Do?

You can talk to a fertility specialist, and they can run tests to help uncover what’s going on and discuss treatments that might be right for you. From medications to IVF and lifestyle changes, there’s a lot that can be done, so you should not lose hope.
When to See a Specialist?
If you have been trying to conceive again for over a year (or six months if you are over 35), it’s time to talk to a fertility specialist. Many IVF centres in Gurgaon offer specialized services just to combat secondary infertility. A fertility doctor can help with:
- Hormonal assessments
- Ovarian reserve testing
- Semen analysis for your partner
- Pelvic ultrasounds to detect fibroids or endometriosis
Advanced treatment plans including IVF, IUI, and ovulation induction
Lifestyle Changes That May Help
While medical intervention is often necessary, there are lifestyle adjustments that may support fertility:
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in folate, antioxidants, iron, and omega-3s can improve reproductive health.
- Exercise: Regular but moderate exercise can regulate hormones and support healthy weight.
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol: These can interfere with conception.
- Sleep and stress management: Poor sleep and chronic stress disrupt hormonal balance. Practice yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness meditation to increase the chance of conception.
Looking for an IVF clinic in Gurgaon to start your pregnancy journey again? Reach out to our team at Yellow IVF today!