Singer and musical actress Bae Da-hae recently shared her candid struggles during her IVF treatment journey. She spoke about common issues many women face, including weight gain and a weakened immune system. Bae Da-hae shared her experiences on her YouTube channel, discussing the misunderstandings and stress she encountered.

Challenges of IVF and Weight Gain

Bae Da-hae revealed, "After resuming IVF treatment, which I had paused for a year, my immunity dropped, and I caught a cold right away." Despite not usually being prone to colds, she experienced a severe case of laryngitis that left her unable to speak. She also added, "I gained a lot of weight while preparing for IVF," sharing the awkwardness she felt whenever people asked, "Are you expecting good news?" This led her to avoid the gym for a while.

Causes of Weight Gain

There are several reasons for weight gain during IVF treatment. IVF treatment involves fertilizing eggs and sperm outside the body and then transferring the resulting embryo to the woman's uterus. During this process, ovulation induction drugs are used to stimulate multiple eggs for retrieval, inducing artificial 'superovulation.' This requires women to receive hormone injections daily, which can lead to changes in weight. Experts explain that these weight changes are often not actual fat gain but rather temporary bloating or water retention due to hormonal fluctuations.

Stress and Immunity

The frequent clinic visits and injections during IVF treatment can cause stress. While there's no definitive research linking IVF directly to weakened immunity, the extreme stress experienced during the procedure can negatively impact the immune system. Repeated injections, blood draws, and ultrasound scans can put significant pressure on women, often leading to anxiety or depression, which can, in turn, affect their immune system.

The Importance of Health Management

Bae Da-hae stated that she is now focusing on her health without being swayed by external perceptions. "I recently started swimming and do it four to five times a week," she shared. Regular exercise is not only effective for weight management and improving cardiovascular function but also for relieving stress and enhancing sleep quality. Especially during IVF treatment, hormonal changes and the demanding schedule can increase physical and mental burdens. In such times, light exercise can be a great help in managing stress.

However, there are precautions to consider during exercise. Excessive duration or intensity can negatively impact the normal ovulation process. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid strenuous high-intensity workouts during the treatment period and opt for regular, light exercises tailored to one's fitness level. Ultimately, Bae Da-hae's honest confession fosters a sense of solidarity among women facing similar challenges and serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for a healthy life.