To an infertility clinic
It's important to go with someone else.
It's important for both partners to go to the fertility clinic together.
If you suspect you might be infertile, the probability of the cause being in the man or woman is roughly 50/50. There are various causes, including unknown causes, but the most important thing is to get tested and understand your current situation as a couple. Treat "trying to conceive" as "something that concerns both of you," and go for tests together.
Performed at the clinic
Details of infertility testing and treatment
Here, we will introduce several methods of infertility treatment, which is one aspect of trying to conceive.
Infertility testing
If you're having trouble conceiving, the first thing you should consider is infertility testing for both partners. Understanding the cause of infertility is a shortcut to pregnancy, which is why many people seek professional help. If you're concerned, it's best to get tested early. Here, we'll introduce the testing methods for men and women separately.
《Female Examination》
You don't need to undergo all the tests at once. First, consult with the clinic you're visiting.
It would be a good idea to bring your basal body temperature chart (records for 2-3 months).
Blood and hormone tests
⇒We will check if hormones are being secreted normally.
Ultrasound examination
⇒Using ultrasound, the uterus and ovaries are examined to check for follicular development, ovulation, and endometrial thickness.
Huhner test
⇒This checks the condition of the sperm taken during sex.
AMH test
⇒ A blood test measures the hormones released from the "egg precursors" remaining in the ovaries to examine ovarian function.
Hysterosalpingography
⇒ An X-ray will be used to check for any problems with the fallopian tubes, which are the passageways for eggs and sperm.
Chlamydia test
⇒We will test for sexually transmitted infections that could interfere with pregnancy.
Cervical mucus test
⇒We will examine the "cervical mucus," which plays a role in helping sperm to be taken up into the uterus.
《Men's Examination》
Semen analysis
⇒A semen sample is collected and examined for sperm motility, morphology, and other factors.
Timing therapy
Among infertility treatments, "timing therapy" is one of the most commonly performed.
This method involves confirming egg maturity with ultrasound and then timing intercourse to coincide with the ovulation day predicted by the doctor. After intercourse, another ultrasound is used to confirm whether ovulation has occurred. Depending on the situation, ovulation may be induced with ovulation-inducing drugs or medications that help develop high-quality eggs may be used. In addition, the secretion of progesterone, which makes the uterus more receptive to implantation, may be checked and supplemented if it is insufficient.
artificial insemination
This method involves artificially injecting semen containing only healthy sperm into a woman's uterus. Fertilization and subsequent implantation occur naturally after the injection. Artificial insemination can also be performed using frozen sperm. Generally, it takes about 5 to 6 attempts to achieve pregnancy. If the chances of pregnancy are low, further treatment may be necessary. The cost is approximately tens of thousands of yen per procedure.
in vitro fertilization
This method involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm outside the body, and then returning the slightly developed, healthy embryo to the uterus. There is also a method called "intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)" where sperm are directly injected into the egg under a microscope to create a fertilized egg, which is then delivered to the uterus. The overall pregnancy rate for IVF and ICSI is about 25% at age 35 and about 14% at age 40. The cost is high, but both methods may be eligible for infertility treatment subsidies, so check your local government's website for details.
Above all, it's reassuring to go to an unfamiliar place like a fertility clinic together. For those who feel they are having difficulty conceiving, visiting a clinic together as a couple is an important part of the fertility process.