"Infertility is a couple's issue and must be viewed from both sides," stated Doctor Nguyen Thi Sim, Deputy General Director and Director of the Fetal Medicine Center at Phenika University Hospital, during the "Planting Happiness Day" program organized by the hospital's Center for Reproductive Support on 15/11.

Doctor Sim emphasized that because male factors account for a significant percentage and andrological examinations (primarily semen analysis) are simpler and less invasive than gynecological examinations, couples should be examined simultaneously from the outset. She added that blaming one partner creates a severe psychological burden for the wife, causing extreme stress and reducing quality of life, which negatively impacts treatment outcomes for the entire couple.

Infertility is a common medical condition, affecting approximately 17.5% of the global population at some point in their lives. This means that about one in six adults worldwide has experienced infertility, with the incidence trending younger, as more couples, some even under 30 years old, seek assistance from reproductive support centers.

In reality, the causes of infertility are almost equally distributed: approximately 40% are due to female factors, 40% to male factors, 10% to combined factors from both partners, and about 10% are unexplained infertility.

Doctor Sim consults with couples. Photo: Thu Trang

Causes of infertility are categorized into female factors, male factors, and unexplained infertility. In females, causes include: ovulatory disorders, primarily polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); fallopian tube blockage or damage, often resulting from a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, abortion, or endometriosis; endometriosis, which affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the embryo's ability to implant; and diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure, common in women who delay pregnancy.

In males, infertility can stem from reduced sperm count and quality, such as low, weak, or abnormally shaped sperm (oligoasthenoteratozoospermia). Varicocele is also one of the most common causes. Additionally, contributing factors include vas deferens obstruction due to infection or injury, or the absence of sperm resulting from obstruction or spermatogenic failure.

According to Doctor Sim, modern infertility treatment techniques are increasingly advanced, offering new opportunities for couples. On this occasion, the Center for Reproductive Support provided free consultations for 30 couples, who received infertility examinations and counseling, diagnostic and treatment support tests, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and fertility preservation cryopreservation techniques.

By Le Nga