For those who are wondering if they can get pregnant. How much does an infertility test cost? Explanation of flow and content

In Japan, 35% of couples have been worried about infertility, and it is announced that about 1 in 3 couples have worried about being able to conceive. Furthermore, it was also announced that 18.2% of couples, that is, 1 in 5 to 6 couples, have actually experienced fertility treatment. There are many couples who are worried about whether they can get pregnant like this. Many people who are worried about getting pregnant may be wondering how much an infertility test costs. Therefore, in this article, we will explain the cost of infertility testing and the flow of testing. If you are worried about whether you can get pregnant, please refer to it. Find out in this article

• What is an infertility test?
• Cost of infertility test
• Infertility test flow

What is an infertility test?

An infertility test is a test to find out the cause of infertility. By understanding the cause of infertility through an infertility test, more effective treatment can be selected. There are various methods for infertility testing, such as a blood test to check for hormones, etc., and a hysterosalpingography to check whether the fallopian tubes are communicating normally. It is also widely practiced to check for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV before pregnancy. Infertility is generally defined as the inability to conceive for a period of time despite having regular sexual intercourse. A fixed period is generally one year or longer. If you suspect infertility, please consult a medical institution as soon as possible without worrying about it alone.

1｜Infertility test cost and flow

We will explain the cost of the infertility test and the flow of the test. There are several methods of infertility testing, including blood tests and hysterosalpingography. We will explain the average cost and flow of each, so if you are wondering if you can get pregnant, please refer to it when taking an infertility test. Also, in the case of the first visit, in addition to the costs introduced here, the first visit fee of 1,000 to 3,000 yen is required, so keep this in mind when considering how much you will need.

2｜Blood test

The cost of a blood test to check the amount of female hormone secretion is about 1,000 yen per time if covered by insurance. Generally, blood tests are performed twice. The first test measures luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone to check for uterine/ovarian function and ovulation disorders. The first blood test is performed on the 2nd to 5th day of menstruation, but the best timing is the 3rd day of menstruation. The second is to measure progesterone approximately one week after ovulation. In conjunction with either the first or second blood draw, we will also check for thyroid disease that can cause infertility.

3｜Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography is a test to check for blocked fallopian tubes and abnormal uterine shape. If covered by insurance, the price will range from 9,000 to 13,000 yen, including the cost of the catheter. Depending on the medical institution, two types of contrast media (oil-based contrast media and water-based contrast media) are available, and the price varies depending on the type. Hysterosalpingography is performed from the end of menstruation to the next ovulation and takes about 5 to 6 minutes. The state of the fallopian tubes can be confirmed by injecting a contrast agent into the uterus and taking an X-ray to check for adhesions, the thickness of the fallopian tubes, and the shape of the uterus.

4｜Simple abdominal X-ray examination

The day after the hysterosalpingography, a plain abdominal x-ray may be done to see the spread of the contrast agent in the abdominal cavity. In some cases, the price is included in the cost of hysterosalpingography, but a separate examination fee of about 1,000 yen is required. The state of adhesions around the fallopian tubes is checked by whether the contrast medium has spread in the abdominal cavity. Hysterosalpingography and plain abdominal X-ray are recommended at an early stage if infertility is suspected.

5｜Ultrasound examination (echo)

Ultrasound examination (echo) can be received for about 2,000 yen per time. You can be examined by insurance up to twice a month, but please note that you will have to pay for the third and subsequent examinations at your own expense. Ultrasound is a real-time examination of the inside of the uterus and ovaries. Various things such as the presence of endometriosis and the presence, size, and location of uterine fibroids are checked. Also, by checking the size of the follicle, it is possible to predict the ovulation date. Depending on the results of the ultrasound, other treatments may be necessary before fertility treatment. Ultrasound examination is also an essential examination for infertility treatment, so if you suspect infertility, please examine it as soon as possible.

Treatment costs not covered by health insurance

The infertility tests introduced so far may be covered by insurance, but some infertility tests may not be covered by insurance. Examples include blood tests to check for infectious diseases and thyroid function, and pregnancy tests. Be sure to ask the facility in advance, as the treatment may differ depending on the hospital. The price of the blood test varies depending on which item is examined. For infectious diseases, it costs 4,000 to 6,000 yen, and for thyroid function, it costs about 4,000 to 5,000 yen. A pregnancy test costs around 2,000 yen. Also, there are cases, such as ultrasound examinations, where you have to pay at your own expense depending on the number of times, so if you want to know the specific cost, we recommend that you check with the medical institution in advance.

Also read the following articles → I want to know more about the steps to receive infertility treatment

Other inspections

Infertility can be caused not only by women but also by men. The content and cost of the examination to check male infertility are as follows. Semen test: 2,000 to 5,000 yen This is a test to check the number and motility of sperm. Blood test: About 3,000 yen for testing hormones, about 5,000 to 8,000 yen for anti-sperm antibodies Hormones and anti-sperm antibodies are checked. Ultrasound examination: about 2,000 yen (insurance coverage) Examines the presence or absence of varicocele. The cost varies depending on the medical institution, so please check the website of the medical institution you are visiting for the actual cost.

summary

Many women worry about whether they will be able to conceive. If you're worried about whether you can get pregnant, don't hesitate to get tested for infertility. There are several methods of testing for infertility, including blood tests and ultrasonography. If you are infertile, it is very important to have an infertility test to identify the cause. Also, even if you are single and have no plans to get married yet, there are medical institutions where you can take an infertility test if you wish. If you are concerned about whether you can get pregnant, please consult a medical institution.