Mai, 38, faced infertility due to low ovarian reserve, while her husband, Hung, had weak sperm. After nearly two years of unsuccessful natural conception, the couple sought treatment at various hospitals. Mai endured fatigue and irritability from hormone medications. Hung felt inadequate due to their fertility challenges. Their conversations revolved solely around treatment protocols and follow-up appointments, with the singular goal of having a child.

Following four failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, the couple had a major argument. Hung suggested pausing treatment, using work as an excuse to come home late. Mai interpreted this as her husband growing tired of her, deepening her feelings of inadequacy.

Dr. Phan Ngoc Quy, a first-degree specialist at the Center for Reproductive Support, Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi (IVF Tam Anh), noted that he has treated many cases similar to Mai and Hung's. Infertility treatment significantly impacts a couple's health, finances, emotions, and future expectations. When treatments fail repeatedly, couples often blame each other or withdraw.

The Ministry of Health reports that over one million Vietnamese couples experience infertility. However, according to Dr. Quy, few are psychologically prepared for the associated challenges, leading to prolonged stress. Wives often suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and depression due to medication effects and emotional disappointment. Husbands typically remain silent, endure in solitude, or avoid the topic, unsure how to share their feelings. This difference in coping mechanisms often widens the gap between partners.

"The journey of infertility treatment erodes health and silently wears down marriages," Dr. Quy stated, emphasizing the need for psychological counseling alongside fertility treatment.

After a year-long break from treatment, Mai and Hung returned to IVF Tam Anh, where Dr. Quy advised them to consult a psychologist. During their initial session at the Psychology - Psychiatry Clinic, Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, Mai expressed her fear of her husband leaving her if she could not conceive. Hung admitted feeling "useless" watching his wife endure pain without being able to help.

The couple decided to approach IVF with a new mindset. Each week, they dedicated one outing to relax and learn to listen to each other before starting a new IVF cycle.

Despite Mai's low ovarian reserve and poor response to ovarian stimulation, doctors successfully retrieved five mature oocytes after nearly two weeks of daily monitoring and medication adjustments. Hung's sperm sample was carefully processed and selected. Embryologists performed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to create embryos, resulting in two good quality day-5 embryos. After optimal endometrial preparation, doctors transferred one embryo into Mai's uterus, while the remaining embryo was cryopreserved.

Instead of "resting to support embryo implantation" as in previous attempts, Mai maintained a relaxed state of mind and shared more openly. Two weeks later, test results and an ultrasound confirmed her pregnancy. The pregnancy progressed smoothly, and the couple welcomed their first child after eight years of anticipation.

A doctor holds Mai's daughter, congratulating the couple. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

"Infertility is not just one person's story; both partners need to stand together and overcome it," Mai urged.

According to Dr. Quy, in addition to identifying the causes of IVF failure, psychological treatment contributes to increasing conception rates. He recommends that couples experiencing infertility seek psychological counseling from the outset to minimize conflict, foster sharing, and provide mutual support throughout the treatment process.

Thanh Ba