Bankrupt while 'searching for my child'

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (Phu Tho) and her husband have been married for seven years, but their small home has never once heard the sound of children. Throughout that journey, they have traveled far and wide, from large hospitals to remote traditional medicine clinics, hoping to find "a ray of light at the end of the tunnel."

Year after year, each ultrasound and each test brought disappointment and heartbreak. All their savings were poured into the journey to have a child, to the point where the family was once left penniless. "There were times when we thought we had to give up our dream of becoming parents because we were exhausted both financially and emotionally." Ms. Huyen said.

Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, in 2023, the couple managed to gather a small loan and went to the Hanoi Andrology and Infertility Hospital for a check-up. Coincidentally, that was also when the hospital launched a program to support the costs for infertile couples.

The couple received free check-ups and a support package to reduce the cost of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and surgical treatment. The expenses, which had previously been a major burden, were now partially alleviated. Miraculously, Ms. Huyen became pregnant with twins. Both children were born healthy, intelligent, and adorable. "That's the greatest gift in my life." She said, visibly moved.

The results exceeded expectations.

During their arduous journey to have a child, the family of Ms. Hoang Thi Nguyet (Thanh Hoa) also faced a situation where they were "out of money and hope." After many years of treatment, their finances dwindled, but the results were consistently negative pregnancy tests. By chance, she and her husband came to the Hanoi Andrology and Infertility Hospital during the "Golden Week 2024" program.

They received financial assistance for examinations and treatment plan consultations. The biggest surprise was that at the program's closing ceremony, the couple's names were unexpectedly announced in the prize draw; they were the winners of a support package worth 100 million VND.

“I will never forget that moment. I burst into tears in the auditorium; it was the first time in many years that I felt true, complete joy. That gift was like confirmation that our journey is not over yet.” Ms. Nguyet recalled.

With that unexpected financial support, the couple began their IVF journey at the hospital. Nearly a year later, the child they had longed for for so many years arrived in the world.

"Our baby is now over a month old, healthier and more adorable than we ever imagined." She said, her eyes shining with happiness.

According to the latest data, the infertility rate in Vietnam is currently 7,7%, with primary infertility at 3,8% and secondary infertility at 3,9%. Primary infertility is defined as a couple never having had children under normal living conditions. Secondary infertility refers to couples who have had children before but are now unable to conceive again despite not using any contraception.

Previously, many people thought that infertility was solely due to the woman. However, research shows that infertility is caused by the wife in 40% of cases, by the husband in 40%, by both partners in 10%, and by unknown causes in 10%.

According to MSc. Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien, the hospital's professional director, early examination and timely treatment not only help couples welcome their beloved children sooner, but also proactively eliminate risk factors for potential genetic diseases, thereby giving birth to healthy babies.