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Fertility Glossary

Secondary infertility

Difficulty conceiving after a previous pregnancy.

Fertility basics

Secondary infertility is difficulty conceiving again after at least one previous pregnancy, whether or not that pregnancy resulted in a live birth. Causes include age-related changes in egg quality, new sperm problems, weight change, pelvic infection, endometriosis, surgery or scarring after a caesarean or miscarriage. Assessment follows the same pattern as first-time investigation.

Also known as: struggling for a second baby

Sources

  • World Health Organization — infertility and reproductive health definitions

Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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