Why Kato?
Kato Fertility Centers stand out as the exclusive Philippine IVF centers offering Minimal Stimulation IVF and Natural Cycle IVF, showcasing impressive success at 53.2% positive pregnancy rate and 44.0% live birth rate as of 2022.
Success Rates:
Positive Pregnancy Rate and Live Birth Rate
Since 2012, KRBC has performed a total of 8,467 embryo transfer cycles of which 4,313 (50.9%) were positive pregnancies that resulted in 3,136 (37.0%) live births. The average age of the patients is 36±5, ranging between 18 to 50 years old.
Minimal Stimulation IVF and Natural Cycle IVF
Minimal stimulation IVF is a gentle approach to fertility treatment that uses lower doses of medications to stimulate the ovaries. It offers a more controlled and tailored approach to ovarian stimulation, potentially resulting in fewer side effects, lower risks of complications like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and improved egg quality for fertilization and embryo development.
Natural cycle IVF is a fertility treatment approach that involves collecting and fertilizing a naturally selected egg during a woman’s normal menstrual cycle, without the use of fertility medications to stimulate multiple egg development. This method relies on monitoring the woman’s natural ovulation cycle and retrieving the one egg that is naturally produced each month. This method is chosen by some patients who prefer a more natural and medication-free approach to IVF treatment.
Unique egg collection needle
The Kato Group began developing their unique egg collection needle in 1999. Today, we use an egg collection needle (21 or 22 gauge) half the global standard thickness (17 gauge) in our clinics. The blade at the needle tip has been processed with a special technique to minimize tissue damage.
At present, over 20,000 eggs are collected annually at the Kato Ladies’ Clinic in Japan. As a result of the improvements we have made, no accident involving bleeding has occurred during egg collection. Our very fine needle causes minimal pain and bleeding. With this needle, egg collection can be completed in several minutes without causing physical stress. This allows the patient to return home after a short period of rest of 15 to 30 minutes.
Transvaginal Ultrasound-guided Embryo Transfer
A fine soft catheter (size 2 French) made of silicone is used to transfer the embryo into the endometrial cavity and guided by transvaginal ultrasound.
Transvaginal ultrasound guided embryo transfer, allows the fertility specialist to visualize the exact placement of the catheter and embryos, ensuring precise and optimal positioning within the uterus. Embryo transfer is done with an empty bladder thus eliminating the discomfort associated with a full bladder embryo transfer.
Our Founder
DR. OSAMU KATO
Dr. Osamu Kato founded the Towako Maternity Clinic in Kanazawa, Japan, where he developed innovative In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) protocols through detailed clinical research in the year 1990. His dedication to excellence led to the establishment of Kato Ladies Clinic in Tokyo’s Shinjuku-ward in 1993, where he continued to advance and perfect his IVF techniques. A visionary in his field, Dr. Kato transformed IVF practices by shifting away from the then-common superovulation methods. Instead, he introduced natural cycle egg retrieval using advanced techniques such as 21–22-gauge needle aspiration. He pioneered the use of Gn-RH analogue triggers to reduce the risk of severe OHSS and was an early advocate for single embryo transfer, significantly lowering the incidence of multiple pregnancies.
Over nearly two decades, Dr. Kato’s protocols evolved into a more natural and physiological approach to follicular stimulation. His IVF laboratory made major advancements in culturing, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer techniques. This combination of natural methods and advanced technology established Kato Ladies Clinic as a leader in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in Japan. Today, the advancements made by Dr. Kato have significantly improved the success rates of IVF treatments while minimizing the physical and emotional strain on patients. The continuation of his legacy through the Kato Medical Group’s expansion into the Philippines is a promising development, bringing his innovative methods to a broader audience and potentially helping more couples achieve their dream of parenthood.
