Why is my general health normal but I haven't had a baby in 2 years?

'My husband and I went for a general health check-up, the results were all normal, but after more than 2 years we still have not had children. Can you give me some advice, doctor?'. (Tram, 30 years old, Ho Chi Minh City).

Dr. Phan Thi Thu Thanh - Deputy Head of Reproductive Support Unit, Phuong Nam Hospital (IVF Phuong Chau Saigon) replied: Hello Tram, your question is also the question of many young couples today. In fact, "normal" general health does not mean good fertility. Having children depends on many factors specific to the male and female reproductive systems such as egg quality, sperm, fallopian tube condition, uterus, or ovulation - these are often not checked in a regular general health check-up. To understand better, we need to distinguish between general health and reproductive health.

Normal general health does not equate to optimal fertility.

A routine general health checkup usually focuses on general indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, liver and kidney function... with the aim of screening for chronic diseases or common health problems. A "normal" result here confirms that your body is functioning well in those aspects, but is not enough to evaluate a specialized and complex function such as fertility.

Doctor Phan Thi Thu Thanh consults patients

PHOTO: NC

The ability to conceive successfully depends on many factors specific to the reproductive system of both the wife and husband, which are often not checked in a general health check-up package. At IVF Phuong Chau Saigon - Phuong Nam Hospital, doctors often recommend that couples wishing to have children undergo a comprehensive reproductive health survey including:

For the wife : A more in-depth assessment of ovarian reserve (AMH index), ultrasound to count the number of ovarian follicles, hormonal activity during the menstrual cycle, patency of the fallopian tubes, and the condition of the uterus is needed. A woman can be completely healthy but have problems such as blocked fallopian tubes, premature ovarian reserve decline, or thin uterine lining - potential causes of difficulty in conceiving.

For the husband : Men's reproductive health is not only reflected in their physical strength. The decisive factor lies in sperm quality, assessed through semen analysis. A healthy man can still have low sperm density, poor mobility or a high rate of abnormal sperm.

This is the “gap” that general health check-ups leave behind. Many couples are completely healthy physically but are facing these invisible barriers.

Couples wishing to conceive undergo a comprehensive reproductive health survey.

PHOTO: NC

In addition, modern lifestyle also contributes to the increase in infertility rate: late marriage, stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, exposure to chemicals, alcohol or tobacco... all affect fertility. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health , currently about 7.7% (more than 1 million) of couples of reproductive age in Vietnam have difficulty having children.

Advice from a doctor

In the case of my husband and I, we have been trying to conceive for more than 2 years. What we need to do now is to go to a fertility center or a hospital with an infertility specialist for a thorough examination. The doctors will prescribe the necessary tests (hormones, ultrasound, hysterosalpingography for the wife; semen analysis for the husband...) to find the exact cause.

The journey to find a child sometimes requires a lot of patience, but modern medicine has made a lot of progress. Early diagnosis and proper intervention will help you and your husband save time, money and soon reach your dream of becoming parents.

Wish you two have good news soon!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-suc-khoe-tong-quat-binh-thuong-ma-2-nam-roi-chua-co-con-185251025161051559.htm