Japan – Dr. 關本僚平 (せきもと りようペい)

We did not get good results at this hospital. We tried artificial insemination, IVF, and ICSI, but even after three egg retrievals, we still could not obtain a blastocyst. The diagnosis was: “The fertilized eggs are of very poor quality. A nutritional analysis should be done.” However, I researched many things carefully myself and was dissatisfied with the outcome, so I transferred to another hospital. (I was concerned that my AMH was as high as 6, so I went to a hospital in the south that specializes in treating patients with PCOS. We obtained 6 blastocysts, and the second transfer was positive. It may have succeeded because they changed the stimulation method and timing of the egg retrieval.) If you are assertive, your opinions will be heard. However, some people do well at this hospital and others do not. The same is true at other hospitals. The hospital's response was not bad at all, and the explanation was accurate. I hope this helps someone in a similar situation.

Now that I am pregnant, I am editing this again. My first review was based on my initial visit. - The receptionists are always chatting. →Sometimes they are not talking. ・Even when there are no patients in the waiting room, checkout takes more than 20 minutes. →Judging by the frequency, this happens about one time in ten. ・The doctor in charge is whoever is working at the time, so there is no attending physician. Especially when infertility treatment begins, there is no handoff (even information such as timing methods is meaningless because there are specific antibodies). →The more often you go, the more new information is added, so the negative effect fades. If you attend for a long time, you will see almost every doctor several times, and if you start going on the same day each week, you will often see the same doctor each time. ・Needless to say, the wait is long, and I do not know how to be seen quickly. →If an ultrasound or blood draw is needed, they seem to call me in earlier. If it is only a consultation, I often have to wait, but I am rarely there for only a consultation, so I usually book for 9 and leave around 11-11:30. ・Appointments are accepted at any time, so this is not really an appointment system but a system that lets the hospital know whom it will see on a given day. However, because of the nature of infertility treatment, if appointments were capped by patient numbers, some people could not be seen on the necessary day, so I think the wait is unavoidable. →I think that is true, and I appreciate being able to book through the app at any time. ・I questioned the receptionists' understanding, attitude, and tone. →I suppose it cannot be helped that the receptionists do not understand what we are talking about... I underwent IVF twice.

There is a long wait even with an appointment. I waited 2 hours on Saturday.

I conceived through timed intercourse and artificial insemination. I had originally wanted IVF, but the doctor apparently thought artificial insemination would work. Unlike other reviewers, I did not have to pay high treatment fees. Each visit cost only a few thousand yen, and I only needed 4 procedures. However, despite having an appointment, I waited 3 to 5 hours and was exhausted just from waiting. If you are undergoing testing, I recommend bringing a game console or book to pass the time. I wanted to give 5 stars, but the wait was too long, so I gave 4 stars.

My second IVF attempt here was positive, and I safely delivered my first child a few days ago. The director's optimism and cheerfulness encouraged me many times. I am very grateful. Some reviews mention long waits, but in my experience, waiting is common for gynecology appointments at clinics and hospitals, so this clinic seemed no different. If results will take some time, they let you know in advance, and you can leave after informing reception. In my case, every retrieved egg developed into a blastocyst. I am also grateful for the embryologist's exceptional skill. Thank you very much. I have another child frozen there and hope to return!

I went for a preconception examination. The low ratings had made me a little concerned, but the doctor listened considerately and made me feel much more at ease. Although I only waited briefly and the consultation was not long, the doctor still apologized, saying, "I am sorry to have kept you waiting and sorry this took so long." He was so kind that I almost felt bad about it.

I transferred here from another hospital, and my third IVF attempt was positive and has safely reached a stable stage. Advantages: - Many doctors are women, and all staff are friendly. The male director was energetic at my first visit and motivated me. Egg retrieval offers IV or local anesthesia; I recommend local. A nurse held my hand and talked to me, which was reassuring. Reception staff complimented my clothes, accessories, and nails, and casual fashion conversations eased my fear of hospitals. Disadvantages: - Waits can be long depending on the time; I waited about 2 hours on Saturday, while weekday afternoons are usually quiet. - Frequent billing errors led to several refunds and extra charges. Staff repeatedly checked with someone elsewhere, and the responsible billing department should perhaps explain errors directly. Payment is same-day and cash only, so bring extra cash or visit an ATM afterward. - Doctors share little information. With many doctors, you must explain your situation each time. I hope this helps people trying to conceive.

I attended this hospital from 2020 to 2022 in my thirties. After two egg retrievals and four failed transfers elsewhere, I moved here because it was closer. Two more retrievals and three transfers also failed. At the director’s strong recommendation, I transferred fresh rather than frozen embryos. Although frozen embryos have better success rates, he said freezing “stresses the eggs”; I followed his advice without success. Because retrievals are not performed Sundays, I once underwent retrieval Saturday even though ovulation was Sunday, producing immature eggs. After painful self-injections tailored to my needs, this was unacceptable; I wanted reimbursement for the wasted time and expense. When insurance coverage began, retrieval anesthesia was unavailable because it was private treatment, so using anesthesia meant forfeiting insurance. Another hospital later told me this was this clinic’s cost-cutting rule. Everything seemed profit-driven. When I asked whether high-stimulation drugs might increase future ovarian-cancer risk, they replied, “Even if so, there is nothing you can do if you want a child now.” The patient, not doctor, should decide after risks are explained. Their approach simply produced many eggs for culture and transfer, without innovation. They said the sperm was normal, but another hospital found an abnormality. With no doctors familiar with advanced care, testing felt pointless. Do not be blinded by profit; find a good hospital.

I spent a year at a hospital near my workplace trying various methods, including timed intercourse and artificial insemination, but I could not become pregnant… While feeling discouraged and searching online for information about infertility, I found this clinic, which was recommended by its energetic director. After undergoing tests and balancing my energy through yoga and swimming, I tried intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and unexpectedly became pregnant on the first attempt! Infertility had troubled me so deeply that I began to feel a sense of spiritual joy. The energetic teamwork between the director and nurses made it seem as though they were captivated by the idea that “energy gathers where energy is strongest,” and I felt able to draw on strength beyond my own abilities. The cost was also lower than expected, about 150,000 yen at the counter. I later received a government subsidy of 110,000 yen and reimbursement from my health insurance association, so the final cost was only 40,000 yen. I look forward to working with you again to conceive our second child! Thank you very much*

[Pros] They do not assign a specific doctor, so the doctor changes each time, but I kept going because there were doctors I liked. I have had several transfers without a single implantation. I know my body has many issues, so I would feel fortunate if even one of six procedures succeeded. I have no complaints about the treatment, methods, or doctors' manner. Their calm, hands-on approach suits me well, though it may not suit people who need emotional support. [Cons] The waits are long. I once waited six hours. There was no consultation or examination during that time; I waited six hours before finally being called. The average is around one to two hours. Depending on the test, the hospital sets a date and time, but appointments almost never begin on time. Scheduling is flexible, but I am very busy with work and honestly nearly lost my temper several times. I was told not to let stress build during assisted reproductive treatment, but the waiting was the most stressful part for me. I wonder whether this negatively affects treatment outcomes. I read a review two years ago to which they replied that they would ‘take the issue seriously and work to improve,’ but nothing has changed after two years. Perhaps there is a reason they cannot improve.

The female doctor spoke in an extremely hostile, passive-aggressive tone. When I asked about the cost and effectiveness of treatment, she said, "If you have money, why not do everything? Aren't you very rich?" I found this behavior highly inappropriate for a doctor. The doctors and nurses discussed patients' private lives behind their backs. I know because they told me directly after spreading rumors. I found it unbelievable and infuriating.

The wait was far too long even though I had an appointment.

I do not recommend this hospital. I went there two years ago. I attempted one egg retrieval, but it failed. I later transferred to another hospital and retrieved 13 eggs in one attempt, while this hospital retrieved only two immature eggs, neither of which fertilized. I was in my early thirties with regular ovulation, so I do not believe the retrieval required unusual care. I think the reason may have been that the hospital closes on Sundays, so the retrieval was scheduled around their needs. They set the retrieval date even though my hormone levels, which indicate egg maturity, were not high enough. Apparently, only the director can perform egg retrievals. I am fairly certain there are also days when embryo implantation cannot be performed. My retrieval experience was also unpleasant. I was lying on the operating table with my legs apart when two male embryologists entered, greeted me, and asked me to state my name and date of birth. I had to greet them while completely exposed in a brightly lit room. One appeared to be a new employee. I still remember the humiliation. The director's procedure followed, accompanied by shouting that sounded like a sporting event. At the hospital I transferred to, female nurses surrounded me during retrieval. The doctor spoke very little and focused entirely on the procedure, and the room was dim, allowing me to complete the retrieval in a relaxed setting.

I successfully conceived my first and second children through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at this hospital. I am deeply grateful to the doctors and staff for their attentive care. I recommend this clinic to those who prioritize results over emotional support. 【About the clinic】 It is one of five JISART-accredited clinics in Tokyo. They provide extensive treatment information on their website and LINE and publish treatment outcome data, demonstrating a high degree of transparency. I felt they were conducting relevant research as well as providing treatment. Both my first and second children were conceived through ICSI embryo transfer. For my second transfer, they recommended a solution called “Sheet Solution,” and I felt they continually improved their treatment methods to increase success rates. 【Waiting times】 Waits are long. With a 9 a.m. weekday appointment, I was usually seen around 10:30 or 11. Holidays and Saturdays are busier, so waits can be longer. This is understandable because infertility clinics cannot limit appointment numbers. Once I learned to anticipate the wait, I brought my laptop and worked at a table in the back, used my phone—the power outlets were convenient—or went for a walk. I recommend browsing the Kiba Park Clinic website while waiting; it helped me better understand my treatment. I usually bought a drink from the first-floor vending machine, though I wish it offered more caffeine-free options. [About the doctors] There are male doctors, so if you require a female doctor, another clinic may be preferable. There are female doctors, but I do not think they are always available. I know the doctors see many patients every day and must be tired, but they always explain everything thoroughly and never allow fatigue to affect their work. They consistently explain conditions logically and even discussed when to begin IVF, providing data to help me decide. The director was my physician during egg retrieval and embryo transfer. His cheerful, friendly manner eased my tension and anxiety. The director appears to be well known in infertility treatment and must be busy with lectures and other work, yet he still sees patients. Knowing such a prominent physician would examine me was reassuring. [Reception] I was very grateful for the proactive, detailed explanations about applying for subsidies and other matters I would normally have had to manage myself. I successfully applied for and received a subsidy. I also appreciated the help resolving scheduling-system questions, such as which time slot to select. On another occasion, when I called about bleeding at home, I immediately received instructions on what to do. I felt the staff were very thoroughly trained. 【Payment】 Payment is made at an automated machine, but it accepts cash only. If I did not have enough, I withdrew money at a nearby convenience store. 【Treatment for secondary infertility】 You may bring your child when receiving treatment for secondary infertility. The nurses and doctors were very kind to my child. Treatment for secondary infertility is provided on a different floor from treatment for primary infertility, which I thought was thoughtful toward patients.

Someone close to me recommended this clinic, and I attended for several months. In the end, however, my doctor was male, and I always felt uncomfortable continuing care there. Although changing doctors appeared possible, I thought only two of the doctors were good. The front desk was noisy. The nurses were all friendly and polite. Overall, I cannot recommend this clinic.

[Update] I later received an apology from the director, and this examination was provided free of charge. The director is sincere, but I still believe people should be cautious when using the outpatient services. *☼*―――――*☼*――――― "I was charged an unreasonable fee without any explanation" I attended a cervical cancer screening organized by the ward and told the receptionist, "I would like information about infertility treatment available within the free screening." During the consultation, a female doctor named Nana Akino asked only, "Would you like to hear the nurse's opinion?" I did not fully understand and answered yes. I was then charged a 3,300-yen "coordination fee." If a nurse consultation is a paid service outside the screening process, they are responsible for allowing me to make an informed choice. Of course, I would not have accepted it if I had known there was a fee. Their subtle effort to steer me toward paid treatment instead gave me the impression that they were a clinic that genuinely cared about patients. We contacted the consumer center. They appeared to believe there was insufficient coordination and explanation on the hospital's part and are currently providing guidance. In the meantime, if you plan to visit this hospital, please be cautious of leading questions.

I conceived my first child here. Because I had difficulty conceiving, I had been receiving infertility treatment at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic, but my doctor recommended that I transfer here. As for waiting times, I think they vary by day of the week. I tended to wait longer on Wednesdays because fewer doctors were available. Once I waited as long as five hours, but that may have been because it was my first appointment. At other times, I was called in after about 30 minutes, although the wait was usually around an hour. The waiting room has a counter, water dispenser, and electrical outlets, so I could pass the time and the wait did not feel too difficult. I also had a very good impression of the doctors, who were all kind and approachable. During examinations, they patiently answered all my questions. After egg retrieval and transfer, some doctors patted me on the back and said, "You did well," which was very encouraging. I have only just entered the stable stage of pregnancy, but I am already very grateful. Of course, some clinics suit certain people better than others, but if I consider having a second child, I would choose this clinic again.

I am not a regular patient here, but special circumstances required me to come for an initial consultation. Dr. Sugiyama, the female doctor who treated me, was very considerate of my situation and, despite being busy, took the time to ask me many questions. She was approachable and made a strong impression on me. The receptionist and nurse I initially contacted by phone were also very caring. I am sincerely grateful to this hospital. Thank you very much!

Be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit! I visited the clinic three times for the free health screening provided by the ward. ① First screening I was called into the exam room 30 minutes after my appointment time. Afterward, I was told to schedule future appointments through the app. I immediately booked an appointment for three weeks later. ② Collecting the screening results Three weeks after the first screening, I returned to the clinic. After waiting about an hour without being called, I asked the front desk and was told, “There are many patients, and you are still waiting. We do not know how much longer it will be.” Because I had other plans, I decided to return another day and immediately booked an appointment for one week later. I saw two other groups give up as well. ③ Second visit to collect the results One week after the second visit, I returned again. I was finally called about two hours after my appointment time. The consultation lasted only three minutes. During the initial screening, the doctor told me everything was normal. Is it reasonable to wait this long just to receive the official results? Excessive waits seem common at this clinic. I recommend reconsidering the appointment system—for example, setting a maximum number of appointments per time slot, disabling app bookings once the limit is reached, reassessing those limits, and prioritizing patients appropriately.

The doctor often changed from visit to visit, but every doctor was good and all the nurses were kind. It was extremely helpful that I could easily bring my child.

Even if you make a reservation, the time is ignored. The booking system is flawed, or you may simply be misled into thinking there is one. Even if you enter a time in what appears to be a booking system, it is best to keep the entire day free.

I am very grateful for the attentive care I received here. The doctors, nurses, staff, and receptionists were all very courteous and dedicated. While preparing for pregnancy, I made good use of the waiting time by attending free core training and yoga classes at the clinic’s gym. I believe the staff, technology, and facilities are all first-rate. I cannot imagine going to any other clinic.

I visited this clinic last year. First, while I was waiting for my appointment, the clinic director walked through reception and harshly reprimanded the receptionist, saying, “There is trash on the floor.” I felt it was inappropriate to scold someone in front of so many patients. The director then conducted my initial consultation. He said, “There are obvious varicose veins on both sides, along with thickened skin, which is causing the infertility. This clinic cannot perform the surgery.” The consultation then ended. Later, I went to another university hospital to discuss surgery. Ultrasound showed no varicose veins, and the doctor said surgery was unnecessary. They explained that surgery or another intervention would be needed if the vessels were dilated beyond 3.0-4.0 mm, but mine measured only about 2.5 mm on the left, with no dilation on the right. Although I understand that doctors may differ in how they communicate and in their opinions, I had serious doubts about this diagnosis. When I later returned to collect my medical certificate, I was told to pay first, but after paying, no one assisted me. I had to go to the front desk myself before I finally received it. I am confused that they asked me to correct my previous response and negative review, claiming it was “defamation.”

They can handle special cases that other clinics cannot. The lead physician is cheerful and approachable, and the other doctors are also women. The nurses and receptionists are very kind and polite. After several visits, their explanations sometimes became brief unless I asked questions, but they explained everything thoroughly at my first appointment, so I had no concerns.

I came here for a preconception checkup. Despite having an appointment, I waited 90 minutes and realized I could not return.

To Dr. Yoshida, the hospital director, and all the doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, thank you sincerely for your kindness and attentive care. Thank you. Although I was still a teenager at the time, you never gave up on me during my most difficult moments, and your thoughtful guidance gave me great encouragement. I am deeply grateful to all of you.