Vietnam currently has about more than one million infertile couples, accounting for about 7.7% of the total, VnExpress reported, citing the Ministry of Health.

In vitro fertilization and sperm pumping into the uterus are two methods to assist infertile patients. Photo: Primus Hospital

Vietnam is one of the countries having the highest infertility rate in the world. It is estimated that 50% of Vietnamese infertile couples are under the age of 30.

Tran Nhat Thang, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology under the University of Medicine and Pharmacy's hospital, said 30% of infertility is caused by husbands, 30% by wives, 30% by both and 10% of unknown causes.

Women infertility is due to occlusion of two uterine tubes, polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis.

Childless men often have no sperm due to testicular failure, retrograde ejaculation or obstruction of the insemination system. Some men have weak sperms because of abnormal genes, consequences of mumps or testicular inflammation. Habits of drinking alcohol and using drugs also affect men’s sperm quality.

In addition, toxic and polluted environment also increases infertility, especially in young couples. Many people lack information about reproductive health and do not know how to protect themselves.
Dr. Hoang Thi Diem Tuyet, director of Hung Vuong Hospital, said that infertility treatment in Vietnam is mainly based on handling the causes.

There are many childless couples with unknown causes or untreated causes. Therefore, in vitro fertilization and pumping sperm into the uterus are two methods to assist infertile patients.

Dr. Ho Manh Tuong, general secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Association for Reproductive Health and Infertility, said that Vietnam's infertility treatment techniques almost catch up with the world’s.

After more than 20 years of in vitro fertilization application, Vietnam has 24 in vitro fertilization centers. The success rate varies from 40 to 60%, equal to other countries in the world, Tuong added.

He noted cost is a hindrance. Childless patients must pay about VND70 million to VND80 million (US$3,010 to US$3,440). The cost of in vitro fertilization in Vietnam is lower than that in other countries in the region but still high compared to its people’s income.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined infertility as the third most dangerous disease, behind cancer and cardiovascular diseases in the 21st century.

Hanoitimes