Looking for real patient experiences with Kato Reprobiotech Center in the Philippines?

Read on as I share my mini-IVF journey with them last July 2024.

After both my OB-RE in Cebu and the endometriosis specialist in Singapore pointed us toward IVF, my husband and I finally accepted that this was our next step. 

Choosing the right IVF clinic for us here in the Philippines

Here in Cebu, we have one IVF clinic (Repro-Optima), and let’s just say that the vibe there wasn’t giving me the warm fuzzies. Here’s why:

• The clinic’s atmosphere felt heavy and gloomy – definitely not the kind of environment you want when you’re already dealing with fertility stress and anxiety.
• My experiences getting AMH tests there in 2020 and 2024 weren’t great. The staff seemed hesitant to answer my basic questions, making it hard to feel confident about potentially doing IVF there.
• Fellow “infertility warriors” in IVF Philippines Facebook groups shared concerning experiences, which they confirmed when I reached out privately. When I tried messaging the clinic directly on Facebook about their process, I never received a response.

When you’re making such an important decision such as going for IVF, these experiences and feedback were enough to make me look at other options beyond Cebu.

I explored other clinics across Luzon, including CoSy Fertility in Pampanga and Victory A.R.T in Makati. Both required in-person initial consultations, which I understood but found challenging since we were based outside Manila. Plus, I was already confident about pursuing IVF. My recent tests supported this readiness – my AMH had improved from 0.5 in 2022 to 0.9 in June 2024, and a transvaginal ultrasound on the same month showed a good follicle count. My periods arrived like clockwork too.

At this point, I was looking for a clinic who’s fine with an online consultation before we travel for the injections and possible egg retrieval.

Enter Kato Repro Biotech

While diving into IVF Facebook groups in the Philippines and abroad (my new hobby at this point!), I kept seeing positive reviews about this clinic called Kato Reprobiotech Center in Manila. Two things caught my attention:

• They specialized in something called “mini-IVF” (using fewer medications than traditional IVF).
• As a result of using fewer medications, they were more affordable.

The mini-IVF approach really caught my attention – less medication meant less worry for me. You see, with my adenomyosis and suspected endometriosis, I was pretty nervous about how all those traditional IVF meds might stir things up. The mini-IVF route felt like it might be gentler on my body.

But what really won me over? 

Getting in touch with the Kato team was so easy, and based on their responses to my inquiry, they seem organized and have their things together. I can sense from their replies that they have systems and processes in place. As a Type A personality, these was music to my ears. It was even possible to have an online consultation with a doctor before going to their clinic.

Getting started through Kato’s virtual summit 

In April 2024, I spotted something interesting on their Facebook page – they were hosting a fertility summit and consultation fair. And couples outside Manila can attend through Google Meet. So here’s how it went:

• Filled out their “IVF SumMEET” registration form
• Got access to their virtual summit via Google Meet

What exactly happens during the summit?

If you’re joining online, you’ll be able to participate the in-person summit using Google Meet. The summit starts with a quick “film showing” of successful couples and then the Kato doctors will talk about their protocol, how IVF works, etc. Afterwards, there’s a Q and A portion where in-person and online participants can participate. 

As someone who has a healthcare background, the information and details shared during the summit was easy for me to understand. 

During the summit, they will also offer free one-on-one consultations. I reached out to the team after the online summit and asked about it.  I asked if an online consultation is fine and they said yes.

It’s worth noting that they prefer that you’ve joined the summit first so the doctor won’t have to explain about general IVF info again during the initial consultation. They will also asked for your current laboratory and diagnostic tests that are relevant to fertility (if you have any!). 

What happened during our initial consultation at Kato Repro Biotech?

The husband and I scored a free online consultation with Dr. Fides Francisco (Doc F).

Doc F turned out to be exactly what we needed:

• She explained everything clearly.
• Prescribed the usual fertility supplements (which I have a lot to say about so stay tuned for a separate blog post about this).
• Wanted a more recent AMH test so we’ll have an idea of my current ovarian reserve.
• Gave us clear next steps which was to inform them via email on Day 1 of my period and show up at their clinic on Day 2 or 3.

After the consultation with Doc F, a nurse called to break down all the costs and payment plans. We were opting for a mini-IVF. It’s worth noting that Kato also offers a “natural IVF”.

Want to know what happened when we actually got to the clinic? How the egg retrieval went? How much we spent? Go to Part 2 – My IVF Experience at Kato Philippines Part 2: Protocol, Results, and Costs