Infertility Is No Longer a “Taboo” Topic: BeWell’s Perspective on the IVF Journey in Vietnam

Infertility is a common reproductive health issue, yet significant gaps remain in public awareness.

According to the WHO, approximately 1 in 6 people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility at some point in their lives. In Vietnam, a study involving more than 14,000 couples reported an infertility rate of approximately 7.7%.

However, seeking medical support can still be delayed by hesitation, family pressure, or the perception that infertility is a difficult subject to discuss. At the same time, age and various reproductive health factors can have a significant impact on fertility over time.

Normalizing conversations around infertility therefore has implications beyond social awareness. It can also help couples access accurate information and appropriate medical care earlier.

Infertility Can Involve Both Male and Female Factors

Infertility is not solely a female reproductive health issue.

Causes may be associated with male factors, female factors, both partners, or remain unexplained. In men, abnormalities in sperm count, motility, or morphology may affect fertility. In women, factors such as ovulation disorders, age, ovarian reserve, fallopian tube conditions, or uterine abnormalities may be evaluated.

For this reason, assessing the reproductive health of both partners is an important principle in the evaluation of infertility.

This approach also challenges a common misconception that only women need to be investigated when a couple has difficulty conceiving. In practice, evaluating both partners can help identify potential causes more efficiently and support a more appropriate treatment plan.

When Should Fertility Be Evaluated?

Not every couple needs to begin with IVF. The initial step is generally an assessment of medical history, the duration of attempts to conceive, and other factors that may affect fertility.

According to recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), infertility evaluation is generally recommended after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse for women under 35, and after 6 months for women aged 35 and older. For women over 40 or those with relevant risk factors, evaluation may be appropriate earlier.

Earlier assessment can also be particularly important for individuals with a history of pelvic surgery, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, treatments that may affect reproductive function, or other fertility-related risk factors.

The purpose of this process is to understand the underlying factors and the current reproductive status, providing a basis for determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Where Does IVF Fit Into the Infertility Treatment Journey?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is an assisted reproductive technology in which an egg is fertilized with sperm outside the body, after which the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus.

Depending on the cause and circumstances of each couple, physicians may consider different treatment options before or instead of IVF. When IVF is recommended, the treatment plan is further tailored based on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, uterine and tubal conditions, sperm quality, previous treatment history, and the underlying cause of infertility.

The IVF journey therefore does not begin with a standardized protocol. It begins with an assessment to determine which approach is most appropriate for each individual case.

Why Does Normalizing the IVF Journey Matter?

The WHO recognizes that infertility can affect mental health and social well-being, and may be associated with stress, anxiety, and stigma.

This is why reproductive care should not focus solely on the technical aspects of treatment. Accurate information, patient confidentiality, and appropriate communication are also important parts of the treatment experience.

Normalizing infertility can begin with simple changes: recognizing it as a health issue that can affect many couples; encouraging both men and women to seek evaluation when appropriate; and creating an environment where patients can discuss their concerns with medical professionals without additional social pressure.

BeWell’s Approach to the IVF Journey

At BeWell, the assisted reproductive journey begins with a comprehensive assessment of each couple’s reproductive health and individual needs, before determining an appropriate treatment approach.

Alongside medical expertise, BeWell places emphasis on privacy and patient-centered communication throughout the consultation and treatment process. Information about treatment outcomes and prognosis should also be discussed in the context of each individual case, rather than through generalized promises.

Every IVF journey is different. Understanding one’s reproductive health, having access to accurate information, and receiving guidance from qualified medical professionals provide the foundation for making informed decisions.

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