Reproductive Medicine in Bundang

Reproductive medicine is a field of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and management of male and female reproductive issues. It encompasses the prevention and assessment, as well as the treatment and prognosis of a wide variety of reproductive conditions. The main goal of reproductive medicine is to improve or maintain the female and male reproductive systems. Reproductive medicine specialists particularly treat and advise on any issues impacting a person’s or a couple’s ability to conceive. They treat issues of puberty, sexual education, family planning, birth control, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and reproductive system disease, such as:

• Infectious diseases, such as reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Cancer that affects the reproductive system, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, penile cancer, and prostate cancer.
• Conditions that affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids, hypothyroidism, cryptorchidism, vasectomy, and retrograde ejaculation.
• Congenital abnormalities, such as imperforate hymen and epispadias.
• Endocrine disorders, such as teratoma, hypogonadism, idiopathic hirsutism, androgen insensitivity syndrome, ovarian cysts, and hypopituitarism.

Tests and treatments that reproductive medicine may perform include:

• Full medical history assessment
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging techniques, such as pelvic ultrasounds
• Investigations of semen samples
• Ovulation induction
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility medication, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer, and frozen embryo replacement (FER)
• Open surgery
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Prescribing medication, such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the HIV virus.

Reproductive medicine is a multidisciplinary branch of medicine that combines physiology, endocrinology, and anatomy, as well as some aspects of biochemistry and molecular biology. Reproductive medicine also overlaps with other branches of medicines, such as gynecology, urology, obstetrics, and psychiatry.

How Long Should I Stay in Bundang?

Your length of stay in Bundang depends on your specific condition and the type of test and/or treatment you underwent. In general, it is advisable that you stay in Bundang for at least 1-3 weeks, although you may be able to travel home within 1 to 2 days after some diagnostic tests. During your stay, you will attend follow-up appointments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your specific condition, the type of test/treatment you underwent, the technique your doctor used, and your overall health determines the recovery time. For open surgery, it may take around 4 to 6 weeks until you are allowed to resume your normal activity and to go back to work. Laparoscopic surgery offers shorter recovery time, usually only 3 to 4 weeks until you can return back to your normal activity level. For non-surgical procedures, such as IVF, you should be able to go back to your normal routine immediately after the procedure.

What Aftercare is Required?

You will be given detailed aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. In most cases, you will attend regular checkups with your reproductive medicine specialist in Bundang or with your local doctor back at home. 

What's the Success Rate?

The advancement of reproductive medicine and a better understanding of the human reproductive system has lead to an increased safety and success rate of the reproductive system’s tests and treatments. The field has allowed the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART), resulting in advances in overcoming infertility. ART is also safer than surgical procedures, minimizing the risks that surgical procedures carry.

Are there Alternatives?

Depending on your specific case, you may be able to see a gynecologist, urologist, obstetrician, or even oncologist as the alternative to seeing a reproductive medicine specialist. It is best, however, to talk to your general physician first as they will be able to direct you to the right specialist. 

Reproductive Medicine in and around Bundang

About Bundang

Bundang was Korea’s first artificial city and was constructed in the early nineties. Its development had a dual purpose of fostering the middle class and expanding housing supply. Bundang is one of the top locations that international medical tourists choose when they wish to undergo any medical treatment in South Korea. Just like Soul, hospitals, and clinics in this city are equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals. The doctors who treat foreign patients are of unquestionable quality since doctors in the country go through a long training process to get their medical degree and until they are granted a medical license. Furthermore, the medical costs are quite affordable, allowing foreign patients to have treatments without breaking the bank,

Popular Parts of Bundang

The most popular part of Bundang is Central Park. It is a beautiful park with a stunning old Korean house, which is the last remaining house from the traditional village that once existed in the city during the Joseon era. Tancehon, the small river that runs through Bundang’s heart, is also popular. It is a good place to stroll around or cycle. Another popular area is Yuldong Park, where people can do bungee jumping. Those who love art should visit the Seongnam Art Center, which holds a lot of musicals and pop music concerts, as well as classical music in its opera house. 

Transport in Bundang

Since there is no international airport in Bundang, international visitors will arrive at Incheon International Airport, which serves flights to many cities around the world. From Incheon Airport, visitors can take the subway, bus, or taxi to get to Bundang. Inside the city, the most convenient mode of transport is the Bundang Subway Line. Buses are also available and are relatively affordable. Taxis are everywhere and are the most flexible option to get around, but some will only take you to certain areas.

Visas in Bundang

South Korea allows holders of passports issued by 112 countries, including the US, Russia, and all EU countries, to visit without a Korean visa for 30, 60, and 180 days. Citizens of other countries need to apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival to the country.

Weather in Bundang

Bundang experiences four seasons. June to August is the summer, which is typically hot, rainy, and humid. Autumn starts from September to late November and it has pleasant weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. The winter, from late November to March, can be freezing. Spring will bring warmer weather and more rainfall.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD converts to approx. 1,1254 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted in many restaurants, shops, and hotels. Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in some places. However, it is okay to tip porters and guides. 
3. Local Language:  The official language is Korean and the formal script is Hangul. English is common within tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Almost half of the population are not religious or follow indigenous religions. Christianity and Buddhism are two of the largest minor religions.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha among others.