An Infertility Definition to Explain Primary and Secondary Infertility

Before infertility can be addressed it must be clearly understood. The fundamental infertility definition is based upon the premise of a healthy young couple in the prime of their child bearing years who have regular sex for a year without conceiving. This is the traditional rule of thumb used to advice couples of when first to seriously consider approaching a doctor regarding their failure to have children.

In the backup definition, used for those who are already known to be at risk for infertility in some way, the time is reduced to a six month period. The reduction recognizes the increased odds that failure to conceive will prove to be one of the more convincing symptoms of infertility, as opposed to a matter of random chance.

There are two basic categories of infertility - primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy or carry it to term successfully. This infertility definition refers to women who have never conceived or carried a child to term. Secondary infertility is diagnosed when a woman has previously carried at least one child to term. It is defined by a current loss of the ability to do so again, or a decrease in the body's ability to manage difficulties previously overcome.

The difference between the two conditions is of great importance to doctors, though there is considerable overlap between the two categories. Women who have never conceived or who have been unable to maintain a pregnancy have a comparatively increased likelihood that the origin of their difficulties may be more serious abnormalities of the reproductive system, or long-term, ongoing endocrinal problems.

Women with secondary infertility are more likely to be suffering from any of a number of issues related to specific changes in their lives or health; from pelvic infections to the onset of conditions such as diabetes, or even something as simple as a new relationship with a man who has an RH incompatibility which did not exist in a previous partnership! Thus the consideration of infertility category (primary or secondary) can help narrow the possible cause; however, it by no means allows a doctor to make a snap judgment.

The origin of both forms of infertility may be found in the male or female partner, or in both simultaneously. Until your infertility specialist has had time to perform extensive examinations and testings there can be enormous uncertainty, as the symptoms of infertility can be subtle and ambiguous.

In very rare instances the uncertainty remains - however modern medical knowledge leaves fewer and fewer cases of infertility a complete mystery. It's therefore unfortunate that couples many facing secondary infertility often never think to have themselves tested if they fail to have a second or third desired child, assuming that their overall fertile health is an unchangeable entity.

Because secondary infertility is often caused by specific health or environmental changes, it can often be treated with direct and reasonably reliable therapies. Though the infertility definition remains the same for both primary and secondary infertility, their differing origins makes secondary infertility an often rewarding matter to address medically. The fact that a woman has previously conceived and carried to term suggests that the basic reproductive elements are not fundamentally damaged beyond repair.

Though secondary infertility may be medically easier to address, patients with primary infertility should take heart in knowing that modern-day miracles are performed every day, giving them the chance to experience the joy of starting their very own families also.