Korean actress Hwang Bo Ra, known for her vibrant personality and memorable roles, has bravely opened up about a deeply personal journey – her struggles to conceive a second child through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Fans are rallying behind her as she shares the raw emotions and challenges of this arduous path.
On August 4th, Hwang Bo Ra released a poignant video on YouTube titled “Hwang Bo Ra’s Four-Month Journey of Retrying IVF with Miraculous Follicles Despite Side Effects.” In the video, she revealed that she had initially paused her IVF treatment due to severe injection side effects but decided to return to the hospital, driven by a flicker of hope.
It was during this visit that she received a challenging diagnosis: she was entering “perimenopause.” “I experienced severe side effects from the injections and thought about taking a month off, but I came to the hospital just in case,” she shared. “The doctor gave me hopeful words, which made me think a lot.”
She continued, “Since it’s perimenopause, if ovulation doesn’t occur even after one year of induction, then it’s menopause,” adding, “It felt like receiving a terminal diagnosis.” Despite this daunting news, Hwang Bo Ra expressed immense determination, stating, “I feel like I must persevere and keep going for the next year without giving up.”
The Emotional Rollercoaster: From Perimenopause to Miraculous Follicles
A turning point arrived when medical staff informed her that follicles were visible. This unexpected news brought a wave of relief and renewed optimism. “Finally, follicles have appeared, and I’m receiving fluids,” she exclaimed. “I didn’t expect anything, so hearing this suddenly was unbelievable. I’m so grateful and amazed.” She tearfully added, “I’m overwhelmed and almost tearing up since I’m already under pressure from parenting.”
Prioritizing Family: The Road to Egg Retrieval
With egg retrieval now scheduled, Hwang Bo Ra didn’t hesitate to put her family first, even sacrificing a previously planned company workshop. “I had a company workshop set for 3-4 months ago, but I decided not to go,” she explained. “These precious follicles we’ve been waiting for come first. I’ll attend the workshop next time.” Her words reflect the profound dedication and hope she holds, as she added, “I’m both excited and nervous thinking about whether I can make a miracle.”
A Deeply Personal Desire: Why a Second Child?
Hwang Bo Ra also candidly shared her heartfelt reasons for wanting a second child, even after a difficult journey with her first. “I struggled to have my first child and wondered why I was being greedy for a second,” she admitted. “I’m older now, and my husband will soon be 50.” The actress revealed a poignant personal motivation: “I grew up lonely as a child. To a child, parents are their universe, and if that universe collapses, the child collapses too. I thought having a sibling for Woo In might provide some comfort and strength, so I felt we needed a second child.”
A Dash of Humor and Husbandly Frustration
In a moment relatable to many couples, Hwang Bo Ra also shared a humorous, yet frustrating, interaction with her husband on the day of egg retrieval. “My husband cut down on drinking for about three days, and I told him not to drink the day before, but he had a glass of wine,” she revealed. Her frustration boiled over: “I got angry and shouted, ‘What are you even doing? I don’t want to try for a second child anymore!’” She lightened the mood with a joke, “It’s probably the first time in 2-3 years that he’s giving a sperm sample. If his sperm isn’t good, I plan to give him a piece of my mind.”
Hwang Bo Ra’s courageous honesty about her IVF journey has deeply resonated with fans worldwide. Her story is a powerful reminder of the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments, coupled with the unwavering hope and determination of a mother longing to expand her family. We send all our best wishes to Hwang Bo Ra and her family as they continue this incredibly personal and hopeful journey.
