By Hellynn Jung

In 2023, I traveled to South Korea to embark on my IVF journey. As I have diminished ovarian reserve and consequently a super low AMH of 0.06ng/mL, I needed to find a high quality IVF hospital that would first of all, take me – but not only that, be affordable enough for monthly, back-to-back IVF egg retrievals. Korea seemed to be the answer.

Now having gone through 7 rounds, I can say with confidence that I know the IVF procedure pretty well – at least at my hospital. I chose Cha Fertility Center, because it’s one of the oldest and most renowned IVF hospitals in Korea. I chose the most famous doctor there despite the long wait hours at every appointment because my infertility situation felt… dire. Here’s an in-depth walkthrough of the IVF process, based on my recent journey.

Step 1: Initial Fertility Tests

Starting the IVF journey begins with a series of crucial fertility tests. These include comprehensive blood work to assess hormone levels such as AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol and TSH. Additionally, an HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) is performed to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes for any blockages or abnormalities. A vaginal ultrasound is also conducted to assess ovarian reserve and follicle count.

When traveling for IVF, the best thing to do is have all of these tests done ahead of time at a local clinic because some of these have to be done at a specific time in your cycle. The blood work should be done on day 2 of your cycle, and the HSG is best done one week after your period. (Ultrasounds are easily conducted right before starting IVF so don’t worry too much about that one.) 

As my doctor was super popular and busy, I was required to have all of these tests done prior to traveling in order to even book a consultation with him. I had everything done except for an HSG, which basically delayed everything by a month. That meant more money and more time wasted. Don’t make the same mistake as me… get everything done ahead of time, locally! 

Step 2: Stimulation Shots and Monitoring

Upon receiving the green light for IVF, the next step involves daily administration of stimulation shots to promote the growth of multiple eggs. Monitoring appointments every few days track follicle development via vaginal ultrasound scans, allowing for adjustments in medication dosage as needed to optimize egg production. This process lasts anywhere between 10 to 14 days, sometimes longer depending on how fast your follicles are growing. 

Before I started IVF, I was terrified of the stimulation shots. I have a phobia of needles and generally sharp objects, so this seemed like the scariest part. Little did I know that it was the easiest! Ladies – don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt, and it’s totally doable.

Step 3: Egg Retrieval Procedure

The culmination of stimulation is the egg retrieval procedure. While understandably nerve-wracking, the process is relatively straightforward. Under sedation, eggs are gently aspirated from the ovaries using a thin needle guided by ultrasound. Post-retrieval, a brief recovery period is advised, during which rest and self-care are paramount because you’re usually a little sore afterwards. I usually took 2 days to do absolutely nothing and Netflix… it was great. 

Step 4: Embryo Cultivation and Assessment

Following retrieval, the collected eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab. Over several days, embryologists closely monitor embryo development, assessing quality and progression. This waiting period can be emotionally taxing, with each update eagerly anticipated.

At my hospital, automated text messages are sent to the patient when the embryologist freezes an embryo. This usually comes about a week after your egg retrieval, with absolutely no updates in between, which can be excruciating. In my opinion, they could really afford to get better at updating patients about fertilization and embryo development, but I understand that Korean hospitals often adopt a high volume business model which allows for better pricing, so it is what it is.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Testing

Successful embryo development may lead to embryo transfer in subsequent cycles. For international patients who don’t have a lot of time, opting for a fresh transfer may be the better route (unless you plan on staying a while longer for a frozen embryo transfer like me, which would give you time to prep your body). A fresh embryo transfer would take place usually 3 to 5 days post egg retrieval. This delicate procedure involves transferring one or more embryos into the uterus, guided by ultrasound. About 10 days later, blood tests measure levels of the pregnancy hormone hCG to confirm implantation and early pregnancy. However, my hospital has told me before that some international patients just leave the country right after the embryo transfer due to time constraints.

I hope this step-by-step breakdown of the IVF process has been helpful to your research. As my infertility story (or I should say, fertility story) unfolds, I will continue to share information and insights on IVF abroad in Korea so that I can make it just a little bit easier for everyone else. 

Stay strong… we got this!

For more information on getting IVF abroad in Korea, contact us.