Dr. Yuichi Sato is the 12th director of a specialized hospital in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, that has been providing lifelong care for women since the Edo period. In addition to his hospital practice, he currently gives lectures at various places such as companies and educational institutions. Having seen many women struggling with fertility issues, Dr. Sato shared his thoughts on the current state of fertility treatment.
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Attitudes toward fertility treatment in modern society
Currently, the number of people who are unable to conceive naturally is increasing. Reasons cited include "later age of childbirth," "decreased sexual activity," and "busy schedules for couples." Many people who are having difficulty conceiving experience feelings of inferiority and anxiety, but this is not unusual. Many people are struggling with the same issues right now, so let's face them head-on and work through them together.
One change I've noticed in practice is that while previously many women seemed to suffer in silence, recently more women are coming to the gynecology department without hesitation. Also, while the average age of patients is increasing, the number of younger women is also on the rise. I think this is because more young people are becoming aware of the increasing amount of information and media coverage about the many people struggling with infertility and seeking treatment, leading them to plan their pregnancies and births more proactively. Getting to know your own body, whether through a pre-marital checkup or getting an early checkup because you're thinking about having children, is very important.
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Men's awareness and importance of fertility treatment
In recent years, the number of men visiting clinics has increased, and it seems that more couples are becoming aware of the importance of "trying to conceive together." We hope that more men will learn that "the causes of infertility are equally common in men and women," and that this will raise awareness of the importance of trying to conceive.
One area where men should actively participate in fertility efforts is "improving their lifestyle." In men, reproductive cells regenerate in a 2-3 month cycle, so correcting lifestyle habits can increase the chances of improving quality. To do this, start by getting a medical checkup to learn about your own body and review your daily lifestyle.
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Learn about fertility treatment from a young age
In Japan, sex education mainly focuses on contraception and sexually transmitted diseases, but I feel that this is insufficient in today's world. Knowing what diseases your body is prone to and when you are most fertile from a young age will change how you plan your life.
Furthermore, Sato Hospital conducts an initiative where, after giving lectures to high school students, they have the opportunity to hold newborn babies in their arms, giving them the experience of "having a baby." Even students who had never thought about wanting children before were deeply moved and said they wanted to have children themselves someday. Realizing the desire to have children is the first step in trying to conceive.
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Challenges faced by parents of couples trying to conceive
Parents often seem concerned about how to talk to couples who are trying to conceive, and struggle with what to say. In fact, there have been cases where only the parents came to the hospital for consultation, and we explained modern fertility treatments and approaches to conception. Medical care and pregnancy trends are constantly changing. By staying informed about the latest information, parents can gain insights into how to talk to and interact with couples.
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"Sharing fertility treatments" that we want to spread throughout society
Trying to conceive is something that cannot be done alone, so the support of others is essential. A kind and understanding attitude from both partners, allowing them to confide in each other, is also a form of support during the fertility process. In particular, simply having someone who empathizes with her feelings can significantly lighten the emotional burden on the wife.
Furthermore, there are examples of people sharing information about fertility treatment in society. I recently gave a lecture on fertility treatment at a company, and it was planned by a female employee who is currently undergoing infertility treatment. It's not uncommon to see senior employees taking action in society to spread knowledge about fertility treatment to their juniors. Sharing personal experiences is important for women before they start trying to conceive, and I believe that a workplace environment where people can openly talk about fertility treatment is very encouraging for those who are trying to conceive. As awareness among the older generation and society as a whole is changing, I hope that a more supportive atmosphere for fertility treatment will gradually spread.