Dr. Le Duc Thang, a first-degree specialist at the Center for Reproductive Support, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi (IVF Tam Anh), explains that fallopian tube dilation causes fluid buildup, reducing or eliminating the ability to capture eggs and transport embryos to the uterus. Fluid accumulated in the tubes can also flow back into the uterus, decreasing implantation success or increasing the risk of early miscarriage. For men, if testicles are located in the abdomen, it can reduce sperm production and motility, affecting natural fertilization.

According to Dr. Thang, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the optimal treatment. It allows for the selection of healthy sperm for fertilization and embryo creation outside the body, while also mitigating the adverse effects of dilated fallopian tubes on the embryos. Couples should seek early treatment because the quality of oocytes and sperm declines with age.

Nga underwent ovarian stimulation, from which 10 mature oocytes were retrieved. Concurrently, her husband had three sperm samples collected via percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) technique. The IVF process successfully created three good quality day-5 embryos and two average quality day-6 embryos, all of which were cryopreserved.

Before embryo transfer, Nga received treatment for uterine fluid buildup and underwent surgery to remove her left fallopian tube. This procedure prevented toxic fluid from flowing into the uterus, which could hinder embryo implantation and development. Doctors transferred one good day-5 embryo into Nga’s uterus, resulting in immediate pregnancy.

She gave birth to a daughter weighing 3.1 kg via C-section in late 2025. "If only we had sought examination and treatment sooner, we would have had a child earlier," she remarked.

Dr. Thang holding Nga's daughter. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Thang advises couples who have been married and engaging in regular intercourse for one year without conception to visit specialized medical facilities for early infertility screening. Younger age correlates with higher treatment success rates, simpler protocols, and lower costs. For older couples or those with long-term infertility, the treatment process becomes more complex and expensive.

At IVF Tam Anh, the cost for one IVF cycle ranges from 90-130 million dong. Installment payment plans are available to ease the financial burden on patients.

Hang Tran