Public interest in in vitro fertilization has grown after comedian couple Kim Jun-ho and Kim Ji-min announced they had conceived through the procedure. IVF is an assisted reproductive technique in which eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body before the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus. While it is one of the most common treatments for infertility, a single cycle does not guarantee pregnancy, making it important to understand the process and its potential risks beforehand.
Kim Ji-min recently revealed the baby's sex through a video posted on her social media account. In the clip, the couple waited with visible nerves before blue confetti burst into the air, prompting them to embrace. "It feels like a dream — a son, wow," Kim said. "Durup, please come out healthy."
The couple had been preparing to start a family and announced last month that Kim became pregnant on their first IVF attempt. Experts caution, however, that IVF outcomes depend on a range of factors, including the woman's age, ovarian function, sperm quality, embryo quality and the condition of the uterus.
IVF typically begins with a series of preliminary tests. Women undergo hormone tests and ultrasound scans to assess ovarian function and uterine condition, while men provide a semen sample so that sperm count, motility and morphology can be evaluated. Fallopian tube status, endometrial condition, surgical history and any underlying medical conditions are also reviewed. Based on the results, clinicians determine the appropriate treatment approach — whether standard IVF, intracytoplasmic sperm injection or embryo freezing.
The procedure itself begins with controlled ovarian stimulation. Under a natural cycle, only one egg typically matures each month; IVF uses hormone injections to produce multiple eggs. During this phase, patients visit the clinic several times for ultrasound scans and blood tests to monitor follicle growth. Once the follicles have grown sufficiently, a trigger injection is given to induce ovulation, and egg retrieval follows after a set interval. The UK's National Health Service notes that this stimulation phase involves roughly two weeks of daily injections to boost egg production.
Egg retrieval is performed using a transvaginal ultrasound probe to guide a needle that aspirates fluid from the follicles. Sedation or anesthesia is commonly used to minimize pain and anxiety. A semen sample is collected from the male partner at the same time, and sperm are selected in the laboratory. The eggs and sperm are then cultured together to allow fertilization, or, depending on sperm quality, a single sperm may be injected directly into each egg through intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Fertilized eggs are cultured for several days to develop into embryos. The decision on whether to proceed with transfer is usually made at the three-day or five-day blastocyst stage. Embryo transfer involves selecting the best-quality embryo and placing it into the uterus — a relatively brief procedure typically performed without anesthesia, using a thin catheter. The UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority describes IVF as a treatment cycle comprising several stages: suppression of natural hormones, hormone therapy to stimulate egg production, egg retrieval, fertilization and embryo transfer.
After embryo transfer, progesterone supplements are often prescribed to stabilize the uterine lining. A pregnancy test — either a blood test or urine test — is conducted after a waiting period. Timing varies by clinic, but results are generally available around 10 to 14 days after transfer.
Many people assume IVF guarantees pregnancy once an embryo is transferred, but in practice the process involves multiple hurdles. Enough eggs must be retrieved, fertilization must occur, and the embryos must develop properly. The embryo must then implant in the uterine lining and the pregnancy must be sustained before a birth can follow. Some patients conceive on the first attempt; others require multiple cycles.
A woman's age is one of the most significant factors affecting success rates. As age increases, both the quantity and quality of eggs can decline, and the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos rises. Age alone does not determine the outcome, however. Ovarian function, endometrial condition, male-factor issues, lifestyle, underlying health conditions and prior pregnancy history all play a role.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is one of the most notable side effects to watch for during IVF. If the ovaries respond too strongly to stimulation, symptoms can include abdominal bloating, pain, nausea and rapid weight gain. In severe cases the condition can lead to breathing difficulties or blood clots, requiring immediate medical attention. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is higher in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, elevated anti-Müllerian hormone levels or a high anticipated egg yield.
Patients should also monitor their condition closely after egg retrieval. Mild abdominal discomfort and light spotting are common, but severe abdominal pain, high fever, heavy bleeding, dizziness or shortness of breath warrant a visit to the clinic. The Mayo Clinic notes that complications such as infection, ovarian torsion and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may need to be assessed after retrieval.
Transferring multiple embryos raises the risk of a multiple pregnancy. While twins or higher-order multiples may seem like a favorable outcome, they carry elevated risks for the mother — including gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, cesarean delivery and hemorrhage — as well as increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight for the babies.
To reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, current practice favors careful decisions about how many embryos to transfer. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine notes that single-embryo transfer has in many cases helped reduce multiple pregnancies and contributed to healthier birth outcomes. The actual number of embryos transferred should be decided in consultation with the medical team, taking into account the patient's age, embryo quality, treatment history and clinic policy.
A common belief that patients must remain bedridden after embryo transfer is not necessarily accurate. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine's embryo transfer guidelines state that there is no clear evidence bed rest after transfer improves pregnancy outcomes. Strenuous exercise, alcohol, smoking and activities that raise body temperature significantly — such as saunas — should nonetheless be avoided as directed by the medical team.
Checking overall health before beginning IVF is important. Patients are advised to take folic acid, quit smoking, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, manage chronic conditions and review any medications they are taking. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, hypertension, uterine fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome in particular should be discussed with a clinician before treatment begins so that a management plan can be put in place.
Male health is equally important. IVF is not solely a female treatment — it involves eggs, sperm, embryos and the uterine environment together. Sperm quality can be affected by smoking, heavy drinking, sleep deprivation, heat exposure, obesity and certain medications, so male partners should also review their lifestyle habits.
The psychological burden of IVF should not be underestimated. Anxiety and stress can build throughout the process — from daily stimulation injections and frequent clinic visits to egg retrieval and the pregnancy test. Failing to conceive on the first attempt can be deeply discouraging. Couples are encouraged to go through the treatment timeline together and to avoid placing blame on themselves or each other for the outcome.
Experts advise couples planning IVF not to rush based on success stories alone, but to weigh their own ovarian function, sperm quality, uterine condition, age, underlying health issues and financial and emotional readiness. IVF can be a vital option for couples facing infertility, but understanding the process, its limitations and its potential side effects — and working through each step with a medical team — is the safest approach.
rainbow@heraldcorp.com
