The definition of secondary infertility is an inability to get pregnant after a previous successful pregnancy. Emotions run high regardless of whether this is your first or fourth baby. There are some emotional issues that are specific to secondary infertility. There is a definite lack of sympathy in society for women trying for a second, third or subsequent baby. There is a general feeling that the woman should be grateful for the child or children that she has, rather than focusing so much on having another baby. The support that women get from others when trying to conceive the first … Continue reading →

It’s a classic story we’ve all heard before. A childless couple eager to start a family begins their journey with high hopes. After a few months and no positive pregnancy tests, a little tension enters the picture. After six months, more worries creep in. The dreaded 12-month mark hits and the couple begins to throw around the “I” word (infertility). The couple looks into treatments, and just before they begin their first cycle on the fertility treatments, they take a short vacation. Upon their return, they receive the shock of their life when they discover she is pregnant. Just when … Continue reading →

When you are trying to get pregnant, you can improve the odds by identifying your best days for conception. The average woman will take anywhere from six to eighteen months to get pregnant. Fertility monitors can help identify your most fertile days to conceive. All ovulation testing products work by detecting the surge of luteinizing hormone which precedes ovulation. Some fertility monitors use urine for testing and others use saliva. The testing process takes just a minute or two every morning. There is some evidence to suggest fertility monitors do result in quicker conception. Inverness Medical Innovations, the maker of … Continue reading →

Nearly every woman who has been through infertility treatments has asked this question at least once. During the six years that we spent trying to have a baby, I asked this question more times than I can count. Infertility is an emotional rollercoaster that is tough to deal with. Each month begins full of hope only to end in tears. If you are feeling like you can’t try one more time, try to sort out your feelings. You may actually be done trying and feeling secure in your decision. On the other hand, you may be feeling conflicted and unsure … Continue reading →

You’ve waited for the perfect time to have a baby. When you are ready, you ditch the birth control and wait to find out you are pregnant. Since we spend so much time worrying about getting pregnant too soon, we often expect that it will happen when we are ready. If the first and second month pass without a positive pregnancy test, you may start wondering how long it should take to get pregnant? The answer isn’t really simple, unfortunately. There is a range of normal in terms of trying to conceive. There are many factors that influence the amount … Continue reading →

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is under active. The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It is responsible for secreting hormones that help control metabolism. In some cases, the menstrual cycle and ovulation can be affected by untreated hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue and weight gain. In some cases, the thyroid can interfere with ovulation. You may not be ovulating regularly if you have hypothyroidism and aren’t getting pregnant. If you have irregular cycles, this is another warning sign. In addition to affecting ovulation, hypothyroidism can cause problems later in the cycle. Some women with this … Continue reading →