"The infertility and subfertile rate in Vietnam is high, while the birth rate is trending downwards. This leads to consequences such as population decline, labor shortages (especially young workers), an aging population, and increased social welfare burdens," stated Master of Science, Doctor Le Thi Thu Hien, professional director of Hanoi Andrology and Infertility Hospital. She made these remarks on the afternoon of 14/1 in Hanoi, during a strategic cooperation signing ceremony between the hospital, the Long Chau pharmacy and vaccination center system, and Merck Healthcare Vietnam.

In 2025, Vietnam's birth rate was 1.93 children per woman of reproductive age, while the replacement birth rate stood at 2.1 children per woman. Only 3 out of 34 provinces had high birth rates, with 13 provinces recording rates below the replacement level. Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Can Tho, Ca Mau, and Vinh Long were the 5 provinces with the lowest birth rates nationwide, ranging from 1.43 to 1.6 children per woman.

Master of Science, Doctor Le Thi Thu Hien advises a patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies infertility and subfertility as the third most dangerous disease in the 21st century, following cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Vietnam has one of the highest infertility rates globally, with approximately one million couples experiencing this condition. The causes of infertility are attributed to females in about 40% of cases, males in 40%, both partners in 10%, and unknown factors in the remaining 10%.

Common causes of female infertility include blocked fallopian tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. Anovulation can result from congenital conditions, advanced age, or complications from surgery or chemotherapy. Lifestyle factors such as pressure, stress, and genital tract abnormalities can also disrupt the ovulation process.

Male infertility often stems from a lack of sperm due to testicular failure, retrograde ejaculation, or blocked vas deferens. Individuals may also have weak, low, or abnormal sperm counts due to congenital gene defects, complications from mumps, or orchitis. Habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking also negatively affect sperm quality.

To address this situation, Vietnam has implemented several open policies. These include granting single women access to assisted reproductive technologies like egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF), provided they have the need and desire. Additionally, pro-birth policies have been introduced, such as improving maternity leave and childcare benefits for workers. Crucially, various policies focus on providing medical support for subfertile and infertile couples.

The reality indicates a growing trend of infertility and subfertility, with cases appearing in younger populations. However, financial, psychological, time, and hesitation barriers often lead many couples to delay seeking examination, causing them to miss effective intervention windows. Therefore, according to Doctor Hien, it is essential to effectively connect healthcare resources to address urgent reproductive health issues and improve infertility rates within the community.

At the event, the parties announced their strategic cooperation pillars. Specifically, the three entities will collaborate to organize various educational programs aimed at raising community awareness about reproductive health, preventing, and treating infertility and subfertility, thereby fostering more proactive and healthy lifestyles.

Le Nga