Assisted reproductive technology in Japan: A summary report for 2019 by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Purpose The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology records online annual cycle‐based information for assisted reproductive technology (ART). This report presents the characteristics and treatment outcomes of ART cycles registered during 2019. Methods The Japanese ART registry includes cycle‐specific information from 619 participating facilities, including treatment and pregnancy outcomes. Descriptive analyses were conducted for cycles registered during 2019. Results In 2019, 458 101 treatment cycles and 60 598 neonates were reported, both of which increased from 2018. The number of fresh cycles, including in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, decreased, while frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (ET) cycles increased. The mean maternal age was 37.9 years (standard deviation ± 4.7). Of 239 348 oocyte retrievals, 123 690 (51.7%) involved freeze‐all‐embryos cycles; fresh ET was performed in 41 831 cycles (a decreasing trend since 2015). In 2019, there were 211 597 frozen‐thawed ET cycles, resulting in 74 882 pregnancies and 54 168 neonates born. Single ET was performed in 82.6% of fresh transfers and 85.1% of frozen‐thawed cycles, with singleton live birth rates of 97.3% for both. Conclusions The number of fresh cycles decreased but frozen cycles increased in 2019. Single ET was performed in >80% of cases, and the proportion of babies born from frozen‐thawed ET increased.

Decreased pregnancy rate per embryo transfer in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology after abdominal trachelectomy: A retrospective study

“…Age is an important factor affecting the outcome of ART [13]. In Japan, the management of ART has changed with time, as has the increase in frozen-thawed embryo transfers (ET) over the last decade [14]. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is also an excellent parameter for predicting ovarian response [15] and in uences the number of oocytes retrieved per oocyte retrieval cycle [16].…”

Endometrial preparation and maternal and obstetrical outcomes after frozen blastocyst transfer

“… 1 , 2 In Japan, 89.4% of births derived from assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are obtained from FET cycles. 3 FET has been enhanced by improvements in the field of cryopreservation and the treatment strategy of elective single-embryo transfers to limit multiple pregnancies. 4 Using the cryopreservation technique, embryos can be transferred at the optimal time without the detrimental effects that ovarian stimulation exerts on endometrial function; therefore, improved pregnancy outcomes are expected after FETs compared with those after fresh embryo transfers.…”

Out-of-pocket payment and patients’ treatment choice for assisted reproductive technology by household income: a conjoint analysis using an online social research panel in Japan

“…Yet, ART treatment is generally highly used among older and higher-income couples [ 15 ]. If these couples delay fertility treatment until they can better afford the associated cost, then the lack of subsidization for high-income couples could contribute to decreased rates of pregnancy [ 16 ]. In consideration of such potential adverse effects, the rationale for the eligibility criteria based on annual household income should be discussed.…”