Japon, Dr Saki Taguchi

The doctor was overbearing, and I waited 30 minutes to check out. I cannot miss this much work.

My gynecologist referred me for an HSG. The catheter used to insert the balloon could not be passed easily, and the device pulled on my cervix, causing severe pain. The pain itself may not actually have been severe, but I may have been traumatized by the fear that the cold instrument was pulling out my internal organs and by being manipulated for more than 30 minutes. I was told that the curve of my cervix was tight and difficult to enter. Also, before the examination, they asked whether I needed to use the restroom. After hearing that, I went to the restroom and then had the examination, but I later learned that the catheter is harder to insert when the bladder is not full. Ultimately, I could not complete the examination that day. Because the test could not be performed, I was not charged. When I later repeated the test at another hospital, they asked me to arrive with a full bladder. Once it was properly full, I underwent the test. It seemed somewhat difficult, but the catheter was inserted normally, and the test proceeded without pain. The doctor at this hospital did his best, but I do not know why he suggested that I use the restroom. During the procedure, I was frightened and kept trembling and sweating, but the nurse held my hand, called out to me, and encouraged me.

They did not carefully review the hospital reports I brought before egg retrieval. During retrieval, they punctured a cyst, making all the eggs on one side unusable, and then blamed the patient. Truly terrible.

This is a beautiful, clean clinic. I saw a gynecologist. I was worried because it was the first time I had experienced these symptoms, but the doctor and nurse were very kind and courteous while examining me.

I attended this hospital for infertility treatment until recently. First, thank you to everyone who supported me for two years. I underwent four egg retrievals and four transfers without becoming pregnant and have decided to transfer to another hospital. Here are the reasons. ① My transfer plan was repeatedly entered incorrectly. ② Billing errors occurred frequently. ③ They did not suggest testing. ④ Even with an appointment, visits took 2-3 hours. Regarding ①: AHA, embryo glue, anesthesia, and so on. Even after requests, items could be omitted or forgotten, so I had to check repeatedly. ② Errors occurred often and commonly involved tens of thousands of yen. I was billed again despite having prepaid, and was charged ¥30,000 for hospitalization despite never being admitted. I would not have received a refund if I had not noticed. This carelessness caused distrust. There were other charges I thought were wrong, but they no longer matter. ③ After 4 unsuccessful transfers, various tests seemed worthwhile, but when I requested testing, they advised collecting more eggs instead. At that point, I lost interest in listening. Perhaps repeated attempts would eventually work—even after 100 transfers—but patients seek the shortest path because of cost and physical strain. Only after two years did I realize that the doctor and I were headed in different directions. ④ Insurance coverage may have increased demand, but if appointments cannot run on time, please do not overbook. I often saw patients angry with receptionists or nurses. Even arriving at the scheduled time, a visit took about 3 hours. The examination took only 5 minutes; the remaining 2 hours 55 minutes were waiting. I could not make plans afterward. I appreciate the work during a busy schedule, but are there not too many bookings? I wrote extensively about outcomes, but treatment results are either 0 or 100. Without results, it feels as though nothing was done. I understand this is not necessarily the hospital's fault and that patients differ; I hold no resentment. But patients are not figurines moving along a conveyor belt. They have different feelings, expectations, and circumstances. Repeated omissions from plans, billing errors, and rushed visits are common but disrespectful. Although I had no result, I remain grateful. Yet I believe these errors persisted because I was not treated as a person, only processed. That said, this hospital can help patients whose circumstances are favorable. This is only one opinion. I hope my two-year experience helps others choose or change hospitals. I hope many patients are rewarded. P.S. I hope these blastocyst results are useful, though individual differences apply. First, mild stimulation → 0 blastocysts Second, high stimulation → 1 blastocyst (4BC) Third, high stimulation → 2 blastocysts (both ungradable early blastocysts) Fourth, high stimulation → 3 blastocysts (one 3BB and 2 early blastocysts) With high stimulation, 11-12 eggs were retrieved each time and about 1 blastocyst obtained. (2024/1/13) I later transferred to another hospital and became pregnant after one transfer. From the first examination to confirmation of pregnancy took about six months, including one testing cycle. Becoming pregnant actually took 3 months. I have now passed the stable period and am 18w. This is my update.

The examination table was very hard, the backrest was too steep, and I could not sit securely. During the examination, the doctor and nurse asked, “Is this something?” and said, “But this is not right...” I heard many worrying comments, and instruments were repeatedly manipulating my uterus, which was frightening. I stopped going.

This was a long time ago, but reception displayed various instructions, such as requiring patients to greet the doctor and not speak loudly. I felt this was disrespectful to patients and apparently came from management. With that said, I was surprised when the female doctor remained silent and did not begin the examination at all, so I went home.

My symptoms were the same as before, and although I knew the medication's name, the doctor gave me a different diagnosis and prescribed a completely different, more expensive drug. I went there because it was nearby, but the doctor would not listen even when I explained. I believed I was right. I went to another hospital and received the usual medication. That was the correct answer. I would give 0 stars.

I had surgery here. The female doctor and midwife took their time when I cried. She listened carefully to my story, was very kind, heard my concerns, and helped me work through them. I was very grateful. During surgery, the anesthesia did not work very well, and I felt some pain while still conscious. When I told them I was in pain, they explained my condition and the anesthesia in detail, so I was able to complete the procedure with peace of mind despite the pain. However, when I returned the next day to check my progress, I saw a male doctor who was extremely intimidating and treated me poorly. He did not explain anything. He said, “You asked Dr. ○○, right? Whatever happened is not my responsibility. Ask Dr. ○○ if you have questions.” Honestly, I thought I should just give up.

A Chinese person was eating McDonald's in front of the reception desk in the lobby.

You should think about what the teacher said. Not suitable for obstetrics and gynecology!

I visited to confirm the gestational sac, but it could not yet be seen. The doctor had said during phone booking that it was too early, but my schedule required an earlier visit. During the examination, although ectopic pregnancy had not been confirmed, the doctor repeatedly discussed it and said I would need a major hospital if confirmed. This made me more anxious when I was already worried about not seeing the sac. I believe doctors should avoid causing unnecessary anxiety when ectopic pregnancy has not been confirmed. I wish they would consider patients' feelings more and provide more supportive examinations.

Conveniently located just one minute from the train station. The staff were very helpful and welcoming. I sometimes have trouble understanding medical terminology, so filling out forms takes time. A staff member came over, asked whether I needed help, and guided me through the forms. The doctor was also a woman, which helped me feel at ease. Most doctors are men, and even at gynecology clinics I often find it difficult or embarrassing to ask questions. The doctor was polite and respectful. They made sure I was comfortable during the procedure and protected my privacy. They also checked whether I qualified for the municipal discount rate, which was helpful because paying for the procedure myself would have cost more.

Chinese-language service is available, and many Chinese patients visit. Overseas patients arranging care independently should note that an additional 50% communication and coordination fee applies, while a referral through an agency can reduce this portion to a minimum (vx:Aijitsu).

Poor clinic. I wanted to ask many questions, but the doctor did not want me to ask because it would take too much time. The positive points are that there are few patients, appointments are quick, and the rooms are clean.

I contacted this hospital to schedule an abortion. Because the pregnancy was approaching the time limit and no other facility would accept me, I called and was told they could perform it. However, the hospital was far from my home, and because I have a 1-year-old son, traveling there repeatedly or bringing him seemed difficult. I became flustered on the phone and asked some odd questions, but the receptionist responded with an exasperated “Huh...” and made me very uncomfortable. Patients choose abortion for many different reasons, but the phone response was so lacking in courtesy that I no longer wanted to use this hospital. Fortunately, I later found another hospital closer to home that could provide the procedure. Their service was excellent, and I was glad I had not come here. I think the staff should be more pleasant.

I waited more than an hour. I would rather go somewhere else.

Today, I successfully graduated from the clinic after my third embryo transfer. My previous embryos were graded 1bb or 2bb, so I was worried that they might not implant, but on the third attempt, a 2bb embryo implanted successfully. I am grateful that the doctor told me embryo grades are not everything and encouraged me to trust the embryos I had and proceed with a third transfer. Some clinics discard lower-grade embryos, but Oak Clinic will transfer them even when the grade is low.

The hospital environment is very good, and they were gentle during the transvaginal ultrasound. The overall experience was better than in Taiwan 😂 The only drawback was that I seemed to wake slightly during egg retrieval, but I vaguely remember the interpreter still being beside me, which was very reassuring 🥰 The egg retrieval and embryo culture went well this time. I hope everything continues smoothly.

We came to this hospital through a team in Taiwan. Although we had little contact with the interpreter beforehand and only came for the transfer, once we arrived, the interpreter was very friendly and explained every step carefully, which was truly reassuring. On transfer day, the embryo had developed from 3BB when frozen to 5BB, and pregnancy testing back in Taiwan confirmed successful implantation. We are truly grateful to the hospital.

The administration and billing were somewhat disorganized and inaccurate, so we had to verify and advocate for everything ourselves. The doctors did not seem very professional, although the medical staff were gentle. Egg retrievals for both my partner and me went fairly smoothly, but two transfers here failed and cost us two years. We eventually went to the United States, and the difference in quality was substantial. I advise older patients not to waste time in Japan.

I underwent a year of infertility treatment, progressing from timed intercourse to artificial insemination and then IVF, and ultimately had a successful pregnancy and delivery. I saw many doctors and felt that they communicated information effectively with one another. As for wait times, consultations that require more time, such as treatment planning, are conducted online, so I was usually called into the exam room without difficulty. Although the wait was sometimes longer, if I only needed a follicle growth check, I could usually finish in less than 10 minutes on a weekday afternoon. (This was in 2024.) During treatment, I sometimes felt discouraged when I did not achieve the expected results, but each doctor would suggest the next step, helping me stay positive and continue treatment. I chose this clinic because it was close to home, and ultimately, I am glad I made that decision. Thank you.