A semen analysis at a hospital revealed Hoang had only one to two sperm, a stark contrast to the average 39 million sperm per ejaculation in men without the condition. A comprehensive specialist examination diagnosed him with varicocele. This condition, characterized by weakened testicular vein valves, causes blood stagnation and increased scrotal temperature, potentially leading to testicular tissue degeneration and reduced sperm quality. Despite collecting multiple sperm samples for in vitro fertilization (IVF), all embryos failed to develop past day 5.

Earlier this year, Hoang sought treatment at the Center for Reproductive Assistance, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City (IVF Tam Anh Ho Chi Minh City). There, andrology specialists performed microsurgery to ligate the dilated varicocele veins, redirecting blood flow to healthier vessels and improving testicular perfusion. A follow-up examination six months later showed over one million sperm in his sample, though their motility remained poor, complicating natural conception.

Hoang and his wife decided to proceed with a second IVF cycle. Doctor CKI Nguyen Thi Thach Thao developed an ovarian stimulation protocol for Hoang’s wife, leading to the retrieval of 12 mature oocytes. A fresh sperm sample from Hoang was then collected and transferred to an ISO 6 lab, where embryologists processed and selected viable sperm for injection into the oocyte cytoplasm, enhancing fertilization efficacy.

The fertilized oocytes were then transferred to an ISO 5 lab and cultured in a time-lapse dynamic incubator. This optimized environment yielded five day-5 embryos, with artificial intelligence (AI) software used to score their quality.

The "lab-in-lab" system at IVF Tam Anh Ho Chi Minh City optimizes embryo quality. Photo: Van Thanh

Doctor Thao prepared Hoang’s wife’s uterine lining, and one high-quality day-5 embryo was transferred, resulting in a successful pregnancy. The pregnancy is now 26 weeks and developing healthily. The remaining embryos were cryopreserved for future family planning.

According to doctors, about 15% of adult men experience varicocele. This condition can lead to erectile dysfunction, reduced testosterone levels, and severe infertility. In addition to medical causes, lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting and frequent heavy lifting can increase abdominal pressure, thereby elevating the risk of varicocele.

The condition often progresses silently, with no clear symptoms in its early stages, leading to late diagnosis in most cases. Therefore, men experiencing pain or abnormalities in the groin, or who have not conceived after one year of marriage, should seek early medical examination and treatment. Mild cases can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication, while severe cases necessitate surgery.

At IVF Tam Anh Ho Chi Minh City, most men with varicocele undergo successful surgery, with about 43% achieving natural conception within one year. When necessary, IVF is combined to help couples achieve a healthy pregnancy sooner.

Hoai Thuong

*Patient's name has been changed