Things you need to know about in-vitro fertilization.

Chưa được phân loại
27/02/2026

Today, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is no longer a strange concept; it has provided the opportunity for motherhood to countless women. However, not everyone fully understands or has accurate information regarding the procedure.

Nearly 30 years ago, Vietnam’s first three IVF babies were born at Tu Du Hospital (HCMC), marking a monumental milestone for Vietnamese obstetrics. This success didn’t just open a new chapter in assisted reproduction; it brought hope to couples on their journey to find their children. Over the past few decades, more than 20,000 children have been born via IVF in Vietnam.

While common, the specifics of the process can be complex. Here is a comprehensive guide to what you need to know about the IVF process.

1. What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is one of the most effective Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). It involves combining an egg and sperm outside the body in a laboratory setting to create an embryo. This embryo is then transferred back into the woman’s uterus.

Note: Success is not guaranteed on the first attempt. Some patients may require prolonged treatment or multiple cycles before achieving a successful pregnancy.

2. Who is a Candidate for IVF?

You should consider IVF if:

  • You have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility.

  • Your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged.

  • Other techniques, such as fertility medication or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), have failed.

  • The male partner has mild sperm quality issues.

3. Types of IVF Treatment Protocols

There are three primary approaches to IVF:

  1. Conventional IVF: Uses standard dosages of fertility drugs to stimulate the ovaries.

  2. Natural Cycle IVF: Collects the single egg naturally produced by the body each month without stimulating drugs.

  3. Mild Stimulation IVF: Uses lower doses of drugs to reduce side effects and the risk of complications.

4. Which Protocol is Right for You?

  • Natural Cycle IVF may be considered if you have regular ovulation but cannot take stimulation drugs (e.g., cancer patients or those at high risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome – OHSS) or if you have personal/religious objections to creating excess embryos.

  • Mild Stimulation IVF is often recommended for patients who have previously had adverse reactions to fertility medications.

5. Key Steps in the IVF Process

Step 1: Ovarian Stimulation

Doctors monitor your ovaries and ovulation timing. Most women take fertility hormones to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Having more eggs increases the chances of successful fertilization.

Step 2: Egg Retrieval (Oocyte Pick-up)

You will be given pain relief or sedation. A thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall using ultrasound. Fluid is gently aspirated from the follicles to isolate the eggs, which are then placed in a specialized incubator.

Step 3: Fertilization

The strongest sperm (from a partner or donor) are mixed with the eggs. In some cases, ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is used, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. The resulting embryos are monitored for healthy development.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer

The healthiest embryos are selected. A small plastic tube (catheter) is passed through the cervix to place the embryo into the uterine cavity. Patients typically rest for about 24 hours following the procedure.

6. Success Rates

Success depends on factors like maternal age, the cause of infertility, and the clinic’s expertise. General live birth rates per cycle are:

  • Under 35: 30 – 35%

  • Ages 35 – 37: ~25%

  • Ages 38 – 40: ~20%

  • Over 40: 6 – 10%

7. Considerations and Risks

  • Medication Reactions: Mild side effects include hot flashes, headaches, and irritability. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor immediately.

  • Multiple Pregnancies: Transferring multiple embryos increases the chance of twins or triplets (Vietnam has even recorded a case of quintuplets via IVF).

  • Hospital Visits: IVF requires numerous appointments for monitoring and testing.

  • Hormonal Changes: Be prepared for significant mood swings caused by pregnancy hormones and fertility medications.

Final Advice: The IVF journey can be emotionally and physically taxing. It is vital to have a strong support system—whether it’s a spouse, family, or friend—and to start only after careful planning and preparation.

Source: Family and Society Newspaper (Báo Gia đình và Xã hội).