Women who have become pregnant at least once, but are unable to conceive again said to have "secondary infertility". Secondary infertility is the inability to conceive after one or more successful pregnancies. The medical causes are similar to those of primary infertility, and include sperm problems, tubal factors, endometriosis and ovulation difficulties. Yet there are differences also. For one thing, is the age factor-the couple would be older, and it may take the wife longer to conceive. Emotional aspects have to be taken into consideration. Couples, who are victims of secondary infertility, thus are caught between two words, fertile & infertile- and are distanced from both. They often find it difficult to gain sympathy from family, friend & relatives, guilt & frustration are common emotional responses. However, just because they have achieved pregnancy once does not make them immune to all the illness which can cause infertility tubes can get blocked and sperm counts can drip as times go by.

The chances of a couple with secondary infertility conceiving with medical treatment would depend upon their specific problems. Their chances are really about the same as a couple with primary infertility. Even though they have proved their fertility once, they usually have the handicap of increased age against them.
Many couples with secondary infertility choose never to take medical treatment. Often, this is because they are not sure about whether they do have a problem and they keep on trying hoping to achieve what they have achieved earlier. If they are serious enough to have a second baby then it is necessary to consult and under go treatment.