Thuy and her husband had previously undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) at another hospital, which failed despite good quality embryos. They sought examination at the Center for Reproductive Assistance, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City (IVF Tam Anh TP HCM). Initial test results for semen analysis, ovarian reserve, hormones, and fallopian tubes were all normal, and chromosome tests revealed no abnormalities.

Master, Doctor Giang Huynh Nhu, Director of IVF Tam Anh TP HCM, stated that Thuy's case belonged to the 10% of unexplained infertility among an estimated one million infertile couples in Vietnam. Despite normal reproductive health, repeated embryo implantation failures suggested an abnormal uterine cavity.

Doctor Nhu prescribed a hysteroscopy to assess the endometrial condition and detect lesions such as polyps, Asherman's syndrome, or other abnormalities. Results showed Thuy had endometritis and adenomyosis, a "double" risk factor that could hinder embryo implantation and had led to two previous failed embryo transfers.

Studies indicate that prolonged endometritis can alter the immune environment and the receptivity of the uterine lining, thereby affecting embryo attachment and implantation. Meanwhile, adenomyosis can change the structure and function of the uterine muscle, impacting the interaction between the embryo and the uterine lining, as well as fetal development.

A doctor performs a hysteroscopy to find the cause of Thuy's infertility. Photo: IVF Tam Anh.

Doctors performed ovarian stimulation for Thuy, yielding 19 mature oocytes. Embryologists created and cultured embryos in a time-lapse system, integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), to continuously monitor embryo development. This resulted in 5 day-5 embryos and 2 day-6 embryos.

Before embryo transfer, Thuy received treatment to suppress inflammation and adenomyosis. After one month, her inflammation improved. Doctors prepared her uterine lining and performed the embryo transfer, resulting in Thuy conceiving on the first attempt. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 3,8 kg and cryopreserved 6 embryos for future pregnancies.

Thuy with her 3-day-old son, born at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Nguyet Nhi.

At IVF Tam Anh TP HCM, approximately 30% of couples seeking treatment are diagnosed with unexplained infertility. According to Doctor Nhu, "unexplained infertility" does not mean there are no factors affecting fertility. Some abnormalities, such as mild adenomyosis, fallopian tube dysfunction, fertilization issues, or embryo implantation problems, may be difficult to detect with basic examination methods.

Depending on medical history and treatment outcomes, doctors may recommend a hysterosalpingogram, saline infusion sonography, or hysteroscopy to detect and treat any abnormalities, while also preparing a suitable uterine environment before embryo transfer.

Nguyet Nhi