Will & Eleanor Story - TTC after a diagnosis of Unexplained secondary Infertility

For many years, my husband and I had dreamed of starting a family. We had always assumed that it would be a relatively simple process – we would stop using contraception, and before long, we would be pregnant.

Exactly that happened, we had Ben just 9 months after getting married in 2018. This was a very happy time for all of us. Me and Will wanted Ben to have a little brother or sister. We started trying again just before Ben's first birthday.

Unfortunately, it turned out are first method wasn't working for the second time. After several months of trying with no success, we decided to seek help from a fertility specialist. We underwent a battery of tests and were shocked to learn that we were dealing with a diagnosis of unexplained secondary infertility.

Unexplained secondary infertility is a condition in which a couple has trouble conceiving despite having already had one or more children without difficulty. The diagnosis can be frustrating and bewildering, as there is often no clear explanation for the problem.

Over the next few years, my husband experienced a rollercoaster of emotions – hope, disappointment, frustration, and sadness. Each time we failed to conceive, it felt like a blow to our hopes and dreams.

Despite the setbacks, we refused to give up. We tried different approaches and different clinics, hoping that one day we would find the right combination of factors that would lead to success. 

Finally, after several years of trying, we received the news we had been hoping for – I was pregnant. It was a moment of pure joy and relief, and we both cried tears of happiness and gratitude.

The pregnancy was not without its challenges. I struggled with anxiety and fear throughout the nine months, worrying about the health of my baby and the possibility of another miscarriage. But with the support of my husband  and family, I was able to make it through.

Ben helped welcome his little brother Charlie on the 9th January 2023. We are proud parents of two beautiful boys. 

To other couples struggling with unexplained secondary infertility, I want to offer a message of hope. It’s okay to feel frustrated and discouraged – infertility is a difficult and emotional issue to deal with. But it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and that there is always hope for success. With the right medical care, a supportive partner, and a healthy dose of determination, anything is possible.

It’s also important to prioritise self-care and to find ways to manage the stress and emotions that come with infertility. This may include seeking counselling or support groups, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Finally, it’s important to remember that there are many paths to parenthood. Adoption, surrogacy, and other options may be viable alternatives for couples struggling with infertility.