Over 230 couples seek fertility assistance

More than 230 couples have already received professional diagnoses and treatments for infertility at the Macao Union Hospital’s Assisted Reproduction Center.

The center is also set to introduce artificial insemination services this month to provide additional support to families seeking to conceive.

Since opening its Assisted Reproduction Center on February 26, 2025, the Islands Healthcare Complex – Macao Medical Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) has seen an increasing demand for fertility services.

According to Dr. Ku Sio Kuan, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Macao Union Hospital, over 230 couples experiencing infertility have received comprehensive professional diagnoses and evaluations, including ovarian reserve testing, hysterosalpingography, and semen analysis.

The center has also provided ovulation induction medications and ultrasound monitoring to optimize conception timing.

“We have seen preliminary success, with a small number of patients already achieving pregnancy,” Dr. Ku said, as cited in TDM’s Macau Forum.

According to reports, the average age of couples seeking treatment is approximately 37 years, with 30% being over 40. Many patients report suffering from endometriosis, a condition that affects fertility and egg quality, which can impact the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Phased Expansion

Building on initial progress, Macao Union Hospital announced that it will introduce artificial insemination services starting this month.

This launch is the first phase of a broader expansion plan that will include IVF and egg freezing services in the near future.

“Currently, our priority is to encourage fertility. Egg freezing will be one of our future development directions,” Dr. Ku explained.

To improve treatment outcomes, the center has upgraded its facilities by acquiring individual culture incubators and optimizing culture media. The hospital aims to offer first-generation IVF and second-generation assisted reproductive technologies by September 2025.

In addition to fertility care, the hospital is expanding its oncology capabilities. Deputy Director Lei Wai Seng announced preparations to introduce nuclear medicine diagnostic services, including PET-CT scans, which are expected to be operational by the third quarter of 2025.

This service will help reduce long wait times currently experienced by residents, as Kiang Wu Hospital is the only provider at present.

The hospital has also added four advanced radiation therapy machines and plans to establish a comprehensive cancer center – offering integrated services such as radiation therapy, preliminary diagnosis, surgery, and other specialized treatments.

Responding to community interest, Lei noted that the hospital is considering introducing traditional Chinese medicine services, primarily for complex cases and as complementary therapy for cancer patients to reduce side effects.

Expanded services and support programs, including the Health Bureau’s “Medically Assisted Reproduction Subsidy Program,” which began accepting applications on Dec. 1, 2024, offer hope and assistance to more couples on their journey toward parenthood.

The SSM program offers up to two cycles of assisted reproductive services, including IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), with waived fees for related evaluations and treatments at Macao Union Hospital.

Applicants must be Macau residents or in common-law marital relationships and undergo clinical assessment before receiving services.

Lei emphasized that the subsidy is a fee waiver within a welfare policy, not free treatment, and that care for underlying conditions causing infertility, such as diabetes, is not covered.