The quality and standard of healthcare in Japan are known worldwide. Many babies in Japan are born with the help of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) every year, accounting for around 6% of the total birth rate. If you are considering IVF services, Japan is one of the places to go.
Table of Contents
Why pick Japan for IVF
In Vitro Fertilization History
IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilization and is one of the several techniques available to help people with fertility issues. "In Vitro" is Latin for "in glass," which means that the fertilization of the egg occurs outside the body. An even wider-range of patients are seeking IVF treatment because of infertility concerns leading to failure of conceiving and carrying a child. IVF is not a one-shot procedure; it holds several specific steps to complete a cycle, where each cycle is analyzed and customized the treatment plan to match the needs of a couple.
Top of the Line Healthcare Facilities
Japan's healthcare system is on par with the world's best. Having the most advanced hospitals, clinics and pharmaceutical facilities. Japan is able to provide high quality service through the use of advanced robotics, AI aided medical operations and brilliant discoveries in the field of medicine.
Because of these advancements Japan has been able to provide preventive measure programs to its citizens from various illnesses. As a testament to this, for over 50 years Japan was able to provide premium quality health care to its people at the most affordable price by which its people can afford. Moreover, Japan has developed 600 fertility treatment clinics and hospitals, claiming the title as a "superpower of fertility treatment."
IVF babies
Due to the surge of technological and economical advancements in Japan after the end of World War II, Japan also aimed for modernization of the medical field to accommodate the need for a proper and upgraded health care system for its slowly growing population. The innovation led to the development of IVF until, by the year 1983, Tohoku University was able to record the first baby born out of IVF in Japan. Since then, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has administered IVF to the Japanese couples who sought to have children. In 2017, IVF contributed to 1 out 16.7 births in Japan, roughly 6% of the total number of births that year.
※US National Library of Medicine, "In vitro fertilization in Japan — Early days of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer and future prospects for assisted reproductive technology" ※ US National Library of Medicine, “Assisted reproductive technology in Japan: A summary report for 2017 by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology”
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Costs associated with IVF
Pricing: Appointment for Initial Consultation
The cost of the initial consultation varies considerably different from patient to patient. It also depends on the kinds of tests and treatments that the patients may need or deem necessary as per the result of the initial consultations.
Tests and Treatments: Price Breakdown
The charge for each test and treatment varies on how far the cycles that the patients must undergo. To give an example, here are the costs for a particular clinic, whose costs are relatively comparable to others in Japan. For In Vitro Fertilization - Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET), prepayment ranges from ¥190,000 to ¥350,000 depending on the course and the individual patient. For Frozen Embryo Thaw Transfer, it costs about ¥70,000. Tax is excluded.
※ Oak Clinic Group Website, Cost of Infertility Treatment
With other costs, the estimated total cost for IVF treatment in Japan ranges from about ¥200,000 to ¥550,000 per treatment, again highly dependent on the patient, the method and insurance.
※ Oak Clinic Group Website, IVF Cost Simulation
Comparison of prices
IVF in the US costs around $12,000 which is approximately equal to ¥1,300,000;
IVF in the UK costs around £5,000 which is approximately equal to ¥667,000; whereas
In comparison, IVF in Japan costs about ¥200,000 to ¥550,000.
※ IVF-Worldwide Website, IVF cost in different countries
This data only shows that IVF treatment is much cheaper in Japan than the other highly developed countries, like the USA and UK. The estimated total cost in Japan is not yet even covered with healthcare insurance; therefore, the total cost might even be cheaper depending on the healthcare insurance of patients. However, the estimated costs above are for just one treatment, and IVF can take multiple treatments to be successful. Thus, these are things to consider when choosing to undergo treatment. The Japanese government does however have a special fund to support those undergoing such assisted reproductive treatments.
Who is qualified for IVF
Health Requirements
The essential requirement to be an ideal IVF candidate is to be in overall good physical, mental, and emotional health. Maintaining an ideal weight and avoiding alcohol, smoke, and caffeine during IVF treatment may increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Ideal Age to Undergo IVF
A successful IVF treatment depends on the age of the woman who will go through the procedure. It is more likely to be a success for younger women because their chances of a successful pregnancy are higher.
According to the NHS, here is a total percentage of IVF treatments which resulted to childbirth between 2014 and 2016:
|
WOMEN’S AGE BRACKET |
SUCCESS PERCENTAGE |
|
Below 35 |
29% |
|
35 to 37 |
23% |
|
38 to 39 |
15% |
|
40 to 42 |
9% |
|
43 to 44 |
3% |
|
Over 44 |
2% |
※ NHS Website, Health A to Z, Overview IVF
Alternative Treatment Options
If going through IVF seems like a big step to take, fertility specialists also formulate other solid plans of action, which may also lead to a successful pregnancy. The inclusion of alternative treatments is being introduced; some recommend acupuncture, yoga and other fertility professionals advise taking fertility supplements to increase the chances to conceive. But the best way is to talk directly with a medical professional first.
Summary
For over 40 years, IVF has become an acceptable alternative means of reproduction in Japan, evolving from resolving infertility issues of couples to providing proactive steps towards reproduction.
Such clinical advancement is complementary to Japan's world-class health care system that is globally known to be one of the world's finest and most advanced. The rise in IVF use in Japan shows that more people are being proactive about their future families and children.
