Examinations at the Center for Reproductive Support, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City (IVF Tam Anh Ho Chi Minh City), revealed Ly's two fallopian tubes were patent and her karyotype test was normal. However, two previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles at another hospital failed. Ly's egg retrievals yielded many immature and abnormally shaped eggs, resulting in only a few day 3 embryos. Four embryo transfers were unsuccessful.

Dr. Thuy advises Ly on her treatment plan. Photo: IVF Tam Anh

This time, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thuy from IVF Tam Anh Ho Chi Minh City aimed to culture embryos to the blastocyst stage (day 5) to increase the success rate of embryo transfer. Dr. Thuy explained that egg quality is a difficult factor to improve; however, IVF can create an optimal culture environment to enhance fertilization and embryo development. For cases with many immature oocytes retrieved, like Ly's, immature egg maturation (IVM) is essential.

Dr. Thuy performed ovarian stimulation for Ly, noting uneven follicle development. After egg retrieval, doctors collected 19 eggs, but only 10 were mature, with the rest being immature.

Embryologists washed and placed all 9 immature eggs into an artificial culture system to perform in vitro immature egg maturation. This technique allows oocytes to continue maturing before fertilization. In a culture environment mimicking the body's natural endocrine conditions, the oocytes received specialized hormones and nutrients, and were closely monitored at each developmental stage for approximately 12-24 hours.

As a result, an additional 5 oocytes reached maturity, making them eligible for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. After fertilization, doctors obtained 6 day 3 embryos, which were then cultured in a Time-lapse system integrated with artificial intelligence (AI). This system continuously monitors cell division and screens for kinetic abnormalities. Development from day 3 to day 5 relies on the activation of the embryo's gene set. Only embryos with sufficient developmental capacity can reach the day 5 stage. Ultimately, Ly had one day 5 embryo cryopreserved.

Before embryo transfer, Dr. Thuy performed a hysteroscopy, discovering Ly had endometriosis accompanied by chronic endometritis. These conditions were likely contributing factors to her previous embryo transfer failures. Ly received two weeks of combination antibiotic treatment for endometritis, along with medication to suppress endometriosis.

Once the endometrium was receptive, Dr. Thuy transferred the single day 5 embryo into Ly's uterus, and she conceived. In early May, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 3,2 kg.

The Time-lapse embryo culture system, equipped with continuous observation cameras and integrated artificial intelligence (AI), optimizes embryo development and selects the best embryos for uterine transfer, increasing pregnancy rates. Photo: IVF Tam Anh

According to Dr. Thuy, declining egg quality is common in older women due to diminished ovarian reserve and the accumulation of genetic errors. In younger women, this condition is less prevalent; the cause may relate to chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations, endocrine disorders, micronutrient deficiencies, the effects of chemo- and radiotherapy, gynecological infections, or an unhealthy lifestyle.

At IVF Tam Anh, the in vitro immature egg maturation technique has helped many women with poor egg quality conceive. This technique can also apply to cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome, drug-resistant ovaries, a history of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or those seeking fertility preservation before cancer treatment. Combined with the Time-lapse embryo culture system integrated with AI, doctors select the best embryos for patients, optimizing pregnancy rates.

Dr. Thuy advises women to maintain a healthy lifestyle, get sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, refrain from tobacco, alcohol, and stimulants, and maintain a healthy weight to ensure reproductive health. Couples who have not conceived after one year of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for those over 35 years old) should seek early examination to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Nguyet Nhi

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