From consultation to treatment: a step-by-step guide

Interview sheet, IVF summary (*), health insurance card, basal body temperature graph, etc.

• women's medical questionnaire
• men's medical questionnaire

Although some questions may be already answered in the interview sheet, the doctor will ask you the following questions for confirmation.

• Menstruation within the past three months
• Duration of infertility (since the patient started trying to conceive)
• Date of marriage
• Factors of infertility (if already diagnosed in another clinic)
• Any past treatment history
• If the patient has previously received treatment ... types of previous examinations and their results
• Patients who received timing treatment or artificial insemination... Number of times of treatment and their results
• Patients who received IVF treatment ... Number of times of treatment, ovulation induction methods, number of eggs collected, condition of the fertilized eggs, number of embryos transferred, and results

After discussing your symptoms in detail based on your submitted documents, we will explain treatment procedures and the contents of the examination. For patients who have received treatment at other clinics, an explanation on treatment is provided based on the patient referral document and examination results.

Results of a pelvic examination or a semen test will be discussed, and an evidence-based explanation on the treatment policy which best suits the individual patient is provided. The date of the next visit will be determined by protocol.

The return date will vary by patient due to differences in the contents of examination and treatment.

Fees will vary depending on the contents of pelvic or other examinations. Payment is accepted in cash, or credit/debit card (some restrictions). Acceptable credit cards: NICOS, UFJ, DC Card, VISA, Master, AMEX, JCB, Diners

The procedure seen above will be followed.

All staff members will welcome you with smiles. Please feel free to approach us.

In the treatment of infertility and to achieve pregnancy, it is very important to identify the actual cause of infertility. Before starting treatment, the cause of infertility is identified through examinations. Perseverance and patience are needed, since it normally takes 6 months to 2 years before successful results are achieved. Needless to say, the efforts of the couple are vital. However, we also seek the understanding and cooperation of other family members.

Measurement of basal body temperature is a key to infertility treatment. Please measure your temperature every day without fail. This is essential when scheduling an examination date. Please be sure to take your basal body temperature and bring the results to the clinic. The doctor will check the results. Please bring a hard copy of your basal body temperature graph, not electronic data on a smart phone or other media.

The process of menstruation and ovulation in the female body is controlled by hormones released from the hypothalamus, pituitary glands and the ovary. A blood sample is taken, timed with the menstrual cycle.

Examination period: After menstruation and before ovulation

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray test to examine the size and shape of the uterus and determine whether the fallopian tubes are blocked. During the test, the uterus is filled with a contrast material. An automatic injection machine is used at our clinic, and normally there is hardly any pain (varies with the individual).

Examination period: Just before ovulation

Before ovulation, mucus is released from the endocervical canal, in response to E2. In this test, volume and consistency of the collected mucus are examined, in order to confirm the occurrence of ovulation.

Examination period: Just before ovulation

This is a post-coital examination of the wife's cervical mucus to determine the presence of the motile sperm of the husband in the area. This can also be considered as a compatibility test, to determine if there are any immunity abnormalities, low sperm count or low motility.

This antibody inhibits sperm motility, preventing fertilization. This antibody is detected by a blood test.

When an ultrasound examination is given to female patients, a tomographic ultrasound imaging device is inserted into the vagina to determine abnormalities in the uterus and ovary, confirm the number/size of follicles and the thickness of the endometrium.

Regarding ultrasound examination for male patients, testicular volume, presence of spermatic varicocele, and possibility of the blockage of spermatic route (the pathway traveled by sperm) are examined.

Examination period: After an abstinence period of 3 to 4 days

The condition of sperm in the ejaculated semen is examined. Semen samples are collected in a container provided by the clinic, by masturbation after 3 to 4 days of abstinence. Abnormalities in the sperm can be detected by examining the semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility rate, malformation rate, white blood cell count, etc.

Examination period: During non-menstrual period

In this test, hystero-fiberscopy with a small camera at the tip is inserted into the uterus, to detect any abnormalities in the intrauterine cavity. This method is used to determine the presence of any endometrial polyps or uterine myoma, which may obstruct implantation.

Normally, men have 46XY chromosomes, and women 46XX. These consist of 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and 2 sex chromosomes. However, it has been reported that persons with Klinefelter syndrome, having 47XXY chromosomes, are likely to suffer from azoospermia.

Also, a deletion of the AZF region on the Y chromosome has recently been recognized as a factor in azoospermia. Chromosomal abnormalities may cause miscarriage. However, the rate of miscarriage by chromosomal abnormality is not high, and even if this abnormality is detected, there is no cure at present.

At this clinic, is carried out with a certified counselor specializing in genetics, and a more detailed explanation of the results of the chromosomal test are provided.