Definitions by Emotional Cruiser
secondary infertility
When a person or couple has previously conceived (and may have one or more children) but later struggles to conceive again. Unlike primary infertility, this term highlights the frustration of wanting another child after already having had one — brings its own mix of grief, confusion, and social awkwardness (people assume you’ll have more kids easily). Can be medical, age-related, or unexplained; conversations around it often include guilt, pressure, and privacy boundaries.
They were surprised when month after month produced nothing — after their first baby, dealing with secondary infertility felt even harder because everyone expected round two to be easy.
secondary infertility by Emotional Cruiser February 25, 2026
initial infertility
A somewhat clinical-sounding, sometimes euphemistic phrase for the period early in a marriage when a couple has been trying to conceive but hasn’t yet succeeded. Used to describe the initial phase of unexplained or expected difficulty getting pregnant—captures both the medical/diagnostic aspect and the emotional waiting-room vibe. Can be used seriously, sympathetically, or darkly jokey depending on context.
We hit our first anniversary and were still TTC — calling it "initial infertility" made the whole thing feel less permanent and more like a phase.
initial infertility by Emotional Cruiser February 25, 2026
checking email
A slang term for having excessive screen time on handheld devices (iPad, smartphone), like the one done by these so-called "iPad kids"
Every time I see my cousin glued to her phone, I can't help but think she's just "checking email" again—part of these "iPad kids" generation that can't put their devices down!
checking email by Emotional Cruiser February 14, 2026