secondary infertility - did they ever find out why?

[StorkStalker]

I had my first baby nearly four years ago—conceived naturally and super easily. Gave birth vaginally (not a C-section), though it was an instrumental delivery.

Now, I’ve been trying for baby #2 for almost two years. I’m 30, have recently done a few rounds of IVF, so I have some euploid embryos, but I’m not sure what direction to take with testing. My doctor isn’t keen on doing the Emma or Alice tests or even treating an infection with antibiotics if Fertilysis finds one—he just recommends probiotics. He also says it’s just a numbers game with euploid transfers and that uterine issues are rare, but reading posts on here makes me think otherwise.

For my fellow secondary infertility gals, did they ever find a reason? Since we’ve already conceived and had a baby once, it seems even more of a mystery.

[Zassa]

I have secondary infertility, first was very easy then after delivery I couldn't get pregnant again. I had signs though (almost every time we tried), got symptoms like cramping, small implantation (?) bleeding, delayed period but no positive test. I decided to take some tests as I felt IVF wouldn't help if the embryo wasn't implantating properly. I ended up having chronic endometritis, most likely from my delivery (long, emergency c section). It is more rare getting it with vaginal delivery but wouldn't rule it out completely. I also know others with secondary infertility that found immune issues. I would do further checks and find another doctor if your current won't help. I had to go abroad to get my diagnosis as very few people believe in endometritis where I live. Good luck!

[Chinese13 in reply to Zassa]

Hi, I hope you don’t mind me jumping in. I am in a very similar situation sadly and I am at a loss at the moment. Please can you advise where you went abroad for your diagnoses and which tests you carried out? Thank you so much xx

[Zassa in reply to Chinese13]

I had a remote test of my period blood from Serum IVF this told I had bacteria associated with chronic endometritis. After that I went to Portugal to test both CD138 (plasma cells that form if endometritis is present) and another biopsy for bacteria. Many clinics in Greece, Spain and Portugal are good at this.

[Chinese13 in reply to Zassa]

Thank you very much for the info that’s great x

[soccerkt6]

Hi lovely, I agree with Zassa. Infections or immune issues seem the most likely culprit considering your age and history. You're young and seem to be producing a good number of euploid embryos, which would suggest that a change in the uterine environment is what's causing the problem.

Since your doctor seems very unhelpful, I personally would do testing through Fertilysis since you can bypass your doctor altogether. If the test turns anything up, you can pay a small fee to have a consult with the doctor at Fertilysis who can write you a prescription for antibiotics, etc.

Good luck xx

[Vassi]

I am literally in the same boat as you, my son was conceived easily approx 4 years ago, being trying for the last 2-3 years for another baby, 2 years of ivf. My second transfer resulted in a miscarriage so I had investigations done, was found to have immune issues and high nk cells. I've had around 11 transfers since then eoth an immune protocol and a few resulted in chemicals. I changed clinics somewhere before my last two transfers and was found to have chronic endometritis. Its been treated twice so im hoping its cleared but we will re test before another cycle to be sure. Would recommend doing some investigations before any further transfers, good luck x