Heartbreak a second time

Dec 13 2009 by Mieka Smiles, Sunday Sun

CELINE DION’S much-publicised efforts to have a second child hit the headlines last week with the Canadian superstar saying she is once again ready to undergo fertility treatment. Here MIEKA SMILES takes a look at secondary infertility and its often heartbreaking emotional impacts . . .

What help is available?

LEAD consultant of fertility specialists for the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Mr JERRY OGHOETUOMA, pictured, explains possible causes of the condition as well as help and treatments on the NHS . . .

"Secondary infertility is an umbrella term. It applies to all women who have been pregnant before, whether they have had a live birth or not, who have failed to achieve a second pregnancy for two years.

"It is difficult to put an actual percentage on the amount of couples who go through this as many people can’t have a second child after having a first and don’t seek help.

"Secondary infertility can arise for a number of reasons including pelvic inflammatory disease which is caused by infections such as chlamydia – which seems to be on the increase.

"It can also be caused by conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovaries.

"It can be caused through general ill- health such as having a raised Body Mass Index (BMI), excessive smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drugs.

"Drugs for medical problems can also be a factor such as those for thyroid diseases, diabetes, Crohn’s disease and some medications for epilepsy.

"Treatment on the NHS is limited, but there are things that we can do to help such as giving general advice.

"It is important that people are the right weight – there is no doubt that when your BMI is over 35 it does make it difficult for women to conceive, as they can have less regular cycles.

"There can also be problems when a women’s BMI is under 18. Between 20 and 25 is the ideal. Stopping smoking is another – the nicotine and the various other poisonous substances in the cigarettes leads to a decreased quality of eggs. Reducing or stopping helps in the male and the female; the same applies to alcohol consumption.

"Very often women are not taking folic acid – it helps.

"Regular intercourse is important; it’s important to have sex every two or three days. This produces the optimum sample of sperm. It has been shown that women can get pregnant on every day of their cycle.

"Regular health checks to ensure optimum health can also help."

NHS investigation and treatments available for those with Secondary Infertility:

:: Semen analysis

:: Hysterosalpingram – a scan of the fallopian tubes to check for blockages or growths

:: Laparoscopy and dye test – allows the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis to be inspected visually to flag up problems such as endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts and adhesions

:: Clomid – a medication used to help induce and regulate ovulation

:: IUI and IVF is also available, but only to those without any living children.

Emotional impacts

SUSAN Seenan, of Infertility Network UK, helps women on a day-by-day basis suffering from secondary infertility. Here she explains some of the emotional impacts.

"Those who have conceived naturally the first time, don’t think it’s going to be a problem the second time round. Then people are often stunned when the second time around it’s not as easy.

"Then there are the second group who have problems conceiving the first time and know how lucky they are to finally have a family but desperately want another child to complete the family.

"Both groups are not only going through the rollercoaster of infertility – there is an added dimension with secondary infertility and that’s the feeling of guilt. On one hand people often think one child should be enough. They know how lucky they are to have one and how many people struggle to have one.

"It makes you feel very, very selfish. You shouldn’t feel guilty but you do.

"Well meaning people say ‘count yourself lucky’, but it doesn’t actually stop it hurting.

"It’s important to know you’re not being greedy, you’re not being selfish.

"It is this kind of guilt trip that actually can make it very, very difficult the second time around.

"It’s difficult for other people to understand – they say you’ve got one, you should be happy with what you’ve got. But it’s not as easy as that."

For help and support through The Infertility Network UK visit www.infertilitynetworkuk.com or contact 0800 008 7464.

Celine's struggle

CELINE DION has spoken out for the first time after learning her recent IVF treatment was unsuccessful, saying she’s ready for another attempt at having a baby.

In August, the Canadian superstar, 41, announced she was expecting her second child after having embryos implanted in her womb, but her husband Rene Angelil confirmed in November that she was no longer pregnant.

She’s now making plans to return to the same doctors in New York to undergo the process once more.