[News Terms] 'Gaimryeok Test' Emerging as a Savior for Low Birthrate Measures

Fertility testing refers to preventive management activities that identify and intervene in biomedical, behavioral, and social risk factors for men and women of reproductive age before pregnancy. It is a pre-pregnancy health management program aimed at promoting healthy pregnancy and childbirth for both men and women from before conception, with the goal of improving the health of mothers and fetuses.

Testing for women of reproductive age (15-49 years old, according to WHO standards) consists of ovarian function tests and gynecological ultrasound examinations. The ovarian function test can be easily performed through a blood test regardless of the menstrual cycle, while the gynecological ultrasound is conducted using an ultrasound probe through the vagina or abdomen. The ovarian function test can diagnose overall fertility levels as well as conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and granulosa cell tumors. The ultrasound examination can identify reproductive health risk factors such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian tumors, and inflammation. Men can learn about semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, and morphology through semen analysis.

Experts recommend that men and women planning pregnancy undergo fertility testing. If concerning results are found after the fertility test, proactive measures such as infertility treatments or fertility preservation plans involving egg or sperm storage can be implemented. In reality, many infertile couples face difficulties in childbirth because they are unaware of their fertility status before attempting pregnancy. Additionally, with the recent increase in the age of first marriage, the number of infertility diagnoses is also rising. According to data compiled by the National Health Insurance Service, the number of infertility diagnoses in 2022 was 239,000, an increase of 29,000 compared to 210,000 five years earlier.

The government’s decision to support fertility testing costs for men and women of reproductive age (15-49 years old) starting this month is based on these circumstances. The judgment that infertility prevention can be a means to overcome the low birthrate problem also played a role. The government’s fertility testing support policy applies to residents of all regions except Seoul, regardless of income level. Women are supported up to 130,000 KRW for ovarian function tests and gynecological ultrasound costs, and men are supported up to 50,000 KRW for semen analysis costs. In Seoul, a similar program called the ‘Seoul City Men and Women Pregnancy Preparation Support Project’ is currently being implemented.

Applications for testing can be made through the local public health center of the applicant’s residence or the e-Health public health portal. After applying, applicants must bring the issued test request form to a participating medical institution to receive the test. The test cost is initially paid by the service user at the medical institution and later reimbursed through the public health center.