What Is Infertility
We explain the medical definition of “infertility” and what to consider before becoming pregnant.
Infertility refers to a condition where, even though one has had intercourse without contraception for a certain period, pregnancy has not occurred. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology defines “infertility” as not becoming pregnant after one year. However, fertility depends on individual factors such as age, menstrual cycles, and body constitution. The moment you begin to think “Could I have infertility?” is the first step to knowing your body’s condition.
Causes of Infertility
Various causes exist on both the female and male sides.
It is said that about 40% of infertility cases are due to female factors, about 40% are due to male factors, and about 20% are due to both. In women, frequent causes include ovulation issues, fallopian tube or uterine abnormalities, and hormonal imbalances. In men, common findings are low sperm count and low sperm motility. When tests are done, sometimes there is no detectable problem; other times, unexpected causes appear. By accurately knowing, an appropriate treatment plan free of unnecessary interventions can be made.
Tests to Determine Whether It Is Infertility
Investigations are the first step to finding what is making it difficult to conceive.
Some tests need to be timed with the menstrual cycle. Based on your wishes, age, how long you have been trying to conceive, etc., the content of tests will be decided in consultation.
Tests we perform at our clinic include:
- Hormone tests (for checking ovulation, ovarian function, thyroid etc.)
- Ultrasound exams (to check the uterus and ovaries)
- Checking for endometrial polyps or fibroids in the uterus
- Post-coital (“after intercourse”) test to check sperm behavior (the “post-coital sperm movement test”)
- Male semen analysis (checking sperm count, motility)
Types of Infertility Treatment
The basic strategy is to step up treatment according to cause and age.
治療の選択は、年齢・原因・治療歴・お二人のご希望などをふまえて、一緒に考えてまいります。
The possible treatments include:
- Timing method: having intercourse timed to when ovulation occurs, a more natural-approach method
- Ovulation induction: using medication to induce ovulation, to increase chances of pregnancy
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI, here called AIH): introducing collected sperm directly into the uterus
- ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology): such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or micro-insemination (ICSI), where fertilization is done outside the body
About ART
- 体外受精（IVF）：排卵誘発後に採卵を行い、体外で卵子と精子を受精させて培養し、受精卵（胚）を子宮に戻す方法。
- 顕微授精（ICSI）：1つの精子を顕微鏡下で卵子に直接注入する方法。精子数が極端に少ない方や受精障害がある場合に適応されます。
- 胚凍結・融解胚移植：受精卵（胚）を凍結保存し、適切なタイミングで解凍して子宮に戻す方法。子宮内膜の状態が整っている周期に移植できる利点があります。
＊これらの治療は、医師による詳細な診断のもと、専門施設で行う必要があります。当院ではART治療を実施しておりませんが、ご希望の方や必要と判断される方には、信頼できる不妊専門クリニックをご紹介いたします。
Treatments Available at Our Clinic
We are careful to respond through general infertility treatments, referring to ART care when needed
At our clinic, we offer the following tests / treatments:
Timing instruction & ovulation induction
Intrauterine insemination
Gender-selection consultation (“男女産み分け外来”)
When advanced infertility treatments (like IVF) become necessary, we provide smooth referrals to vetted reproductive medicine specialty facilities. We place importance on careful diagnosis and clear explanations so patients can proceed with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
はじめての不妊治療は、「ご不安」や「わからないこと」がたくさんあるものです。
ここでは、当院によく寄せられるご質問を、Q&A形式でご紹介いたします。検査や治療のタイミング、保険適用の条件、ご通院の流れなど、皆さまのご不安を少しでも軽くできれば幸いです。その他ご不明な点があれば、どうぞお気軽にお問い合わせください。
| Q | When should infertility treatment be started? |
| A | Generally, if you have not become pregnant after one year of having intercourse without contraception, that is considered infertility. However, if the woman is 35 years or older, or has irregular menstruation, we recommend visiting after about six months. Depending on your age and physical condition, earlier consultation may be a quicker path to pregnancy. |
| Q | Do both partners need to come to the clinic together? |
| A | If possible, yes, we recommend both partners attend. It is said that in about half of infertility cases, male factors are involved. Depending on the initial consultation and test contents, partner cooperation may be needed. Of course, coming alone is also welcome. |
| Q | What happens at the first consultation? |
| A | We will carefully ask about your pregnancy history, menstrual cycle, lifestyle etc. If needed, we’ll do ultrasound or blood tests. Not all tests are done on the first day; we build a test schedule timed with your cycle. Please feel free to ask us anything you feel anxious about. |
| Q | Is infertility treatment covered by health insurance? |
| A | Yes. At our clinic, infertility treatment is covered by insurance for certain treatments like initial tests, timing method, ovulation induction, and intrauterine insemination. There are conditions regarding age, number of treatments, etc. Detailed explanations will be given during your visit. |
| Q | Are there conditions for insurance-covered tests and treatments? |
| A | Are there conditions for insurance-covered tests and treatments? A: Yes. To start treatment under insurance, the female partner must be under 43 years old at the point treatment begins. Also, if during treatment you reach your 43rd birthday, insurance no longer applies. If you exceed the number of insured treatments allowed, treatment may continue as private practice. Please discuss treatment plans with the doctor. |
| Q | Is there a limit on the number of times intrauterine insemination (AIH) can be covered by insurance? |
| A | Yes. It is limited based on age: • If treatment begins when the woman is 39 or younger → up to 6 times under insurance. • If treatment begins when age is 40-42 → up to 3 times under insurance. |
| Q | Does infertility treatment feel emotionally difficult? Is emotional support available? |
| A | Yes. We consider mental support very important. During infertility treatment, feelings of worry, impatience, or depression may arise. At our clinic, physicians and staff try to empathize with your feelings as well as provide medical care. Please don’t hesitate to share how you feel; you do not have to bear it alone. |
| Q | Can advanced infertility treatments like IVF be received at your clinic? |
| A | No. We do not offer IVF or ICSI at our clinic. But when needed, we can refer you to a specialist facility. First, we perform investigations and general treatments, and when it becomes appropriate, support stepping up to advanced reproductive technology. |
In Closing
Don’t worry by yourself, feel free to consult us first
Infertility is a delicate issue. Many people find it hard to talk about, even with their partner, or feel like they have no one to share with. At our clinic, beyond aiming for the goal of pregnancy, we strive to care for each person’s feelings. We want to provide correct information and proper support to all who wish for a baby. Even just the first counseling session is okay. We will support your very first step.
About Appointments
Our outpatient services operate by appointment.
When visiting, if you make a reservation via our web reservation system in advance, we can smoothly guide you. Even without a reservation, same-day visits are possible. Please feel free to come.
