"This is one of the most complex infertility cases involving a large fibroid that our multidisciplinary team of doctors has treated," said Dr. Giang Huynh Nhu, director of the Center for Reproductive Support at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City (IVF Tam Anh TP HCM), on 23/6.

Dr. Giang Huynh Nhu speaks with an infertile couple who have successfully conceived. Illustrative photo: Hoai Thuong

Ngoc was initially diagnosed with infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes and underwent surgery to clear the blockage at another hospital, but natural conception remained elusive. At the time, her fibroid measured only 9x10 mm, so doctors opted not to intervene.

In 2022, she underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a private clinic. However, the ovarian stimulation medication caused the fibroid to grow significantly, distending her abdomen. The fibroid, now measuring 12x15 cm (equivalent to a 22-week pregnancy), posed a risk to her internal organs during egg retrieval, prompting the discontinuation of IVF.

The couple sought treatment at IVF Tam Anh TP HCM, where an ultrasound revealed the large fibroid almost completely obscuring both ovaries. Dr. Nhu consulted with Dr. Nguyen Ba My Nhi, director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, and they decided to surgically remove the fibroid before resuming IVF to ensure Ngoc's safety.

4 months after the surgery, Ngoc began ovarian stimulation with a lower dosage of medication. Doctors retrieved 21 mature eggs, which were fertilized in vitro with her husband's sperm, resulting in 5 day-5 embryos. All embryos were frozen, as Ngoc needed at least a year for her uterus to fully recover from the surgery before attempting pregnancy.

In August 2024, doctors transferred one embryo into Ngoc's uterus, resulting in a successful pregnancy. She experienced gestational diabetes and threatened miscarriage at week 5, but doctors closely monitored her and were able to maintain the pregnancy. In mid-June, the couple welcomed a healthy baby boy weighing over 3 kg.

Ngoc and her husband's healthy baby boy, born at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Provided by the family

According to Dr. Nhu, uterine fibroids are a common condition, accounting for 2-3% of infertility cases. Common symptoms include painful periods or heavy menstrual bleeding. Other symptoms include lower back pain, pelvic pressure or pain, and painful intercourse. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can hinder natural conception, leading to infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or premature birth. After fibroid surgery, patients should wait at least a year before attempting pregnancy to ensure safety.

Dr. Nhu recommends that couples undergo pre-marital reproductive health checkups for early detection and proactive treatment of any conditions. Couples who have not conceived after a year of marriage should seek medical advice and early intervention with a personalized treatment plan. In 2024, the average pregnancy rate after embryo transfer at IVF Tam Anh TP HCM was over 79%, with nearly 85% for women under 28.

Hoai Thuong