Infertility is not something that I’ve really paid much attention to in the past. I know people who are dealing with it and my heart breaks for them, but it just never hit me close enough for it to become very important to me. After giving birth to Cameron, I assumed infertility was an infliction that would never strike us. I assumed I was safe.
Secondary Infertility is when a couple has trouble conceiving or carrying to term after already having a child. 12% of (American) women experience secondary infertility. And more 50% of all infertility cases are women suffering from secondary infertility (source in link below).
It happens. Just because there is one healthy baby does not mean that a second comes easily.
As I was reading through the information on infertility, I was particularly interested in the point in which someone starts identifying as infertile. Women who are not of advanced maternal age are encouraged to seek medical help after actively trying to conceive for a year. Couples are however, suggested to seek medical attention sooner if they has suffered from two or more miscarriages.
Two or more. Two.
I’m not crazy to be concerned. I’m not being premature asking my doctor to find out if something is wrong.
What do I know? My miscarriages could mean nothing. They could be a fluke. My next pregnancy could go perfectly.
Or, I could be struggling with secondary infertility.
I’m not trying to appropriate a diagnoses that has not yet been given to me. Regardless of what name this ordeal is given, it is a struggle. And my heart breaks for anyone else who is also struggling.
I am sorry I wasn’t aware sooner. Be aware. Be aware if you are struggling and be aware if you are not.
