Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a widely used fertility procedure that boosts the likelihood of getting pregnant by inserting sperm into the uterus. It’s a less complicated and more affordable alternative to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and is frequently suggested for couples dealing with minor fertility problems.
How to Increase IUI Success
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a method of fertility treatment in which sperm are “cleaned” in a unique solution and the concentrated sperm are inserted directly into the uterus using a thin tube (catheter). Because IUI is less expensive and less invasive than in vitro fertilization (IVF), it is frequently the initial fertility treatment that patients seek to try in their journey to expand their families.
What are the Tips to be followed Before IUI?
During the first five days of your menstrual cycle, some women take medicine to help their ovaries produce eggs. This can make your ovaries bigger, leading to bloating and pelvic pain. It’s important to keep exercising, but choose less impact exercises.
Here are some examples of exercises you can do before IUI Treatment
Yoga and Meditation: Yoga is a popular choice for its benefits to both the body and mind. It improves flexibility and blood flow, especially in the pelvic area, and helps reduce stress from fertility treatments through meditation.
Swimming: Swimming is a gentle yet effective way to keep the heart healthy and the body fit. It’s a relaxing full-body workout that also helps with stress.
Regular Walks: Taking walks, especially after meals, helps with digestion, blood flow, and weight management. It’s a less impact activity that also offers time for quiet reflection.
Cycling: Riding a bike, especially on nice days, is a low-impact exercise that increases heart rate and allows for enjoying the outdoors.
Dance Aerobics: Dancing, whether in a class or at home, is enjoyable and effective for raising heart rate. It also improves mood and helps release stress.
Healthy Diet:
Maintaining a nutritious diet rich in fresh vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains to prepare your body for pregnancy. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine to 200 mg daily. Consider taking vitamins and supplements, including Omega-3 fatty acids, and a prenatal vitamin.
Avoid Ejaculation for Two Days Before Semen Collection
For successful IUI procedures, it’s advantageous for the semen sample to be of considerable volume and to have a high sperm count. If men ejaculate close to the time they are supposed to provide the semen sample, the quantity and quality of sperm might be affected. So, it’s recommended to abstain from ejaculation for 1-3 days before the semen collection.
What to expect before IUI Treatment?
First Assessment:
The process of IUI kicks off with a first assessment, fertility checks, and the development of a personalized treatment strategy.
Medication to Boost Ovulation:
Should your physician recommend, you’ll begin taking these medications from days 3 to 5 of your menstrual period to promote ovulation.
Check Up Appointment:
By the 10th day of your cycle, An Ultrasound and best test will be taken if needed. These will be done to track the growth and size of follicles, as well as to determine your readiness for ovulation.
Instructions for the day IUI treatment
Before IUI treatment, the doctor will give detailed instructions on how to prepare for the treatment. It’s common for fertility specialists to advise you to arrive with a full bladder, and they will specify the amount of water you should drink beforehand. If you’re using a fresh semen sample from your partner, you’ll need to work together to ensure it’s ready.
What to expect before the IUI appointment?
Detecting Ovulation: You might be instructed to use at-home urine tests to identify when you’re ovulating. Once you’ve found out, reach out to your nurse for the next steps.
Induction of Ovulation: If necessary, you could be given a trigger shot to help induce ovulation.
IUI Treatment: About 1-2 days after the trigger shot, you’ll come back to kanaa Fertility Centre. Your partner will provide a semen sample an hour before the procedure, or if that’s not possible, previously frozen sperm will be used. This sperm is then treated with a special process to separate and concentrate the fastest swimmers.
Intrauterine Injection: The chosen sperm are placed in a catheter and carefully inserted into the uterus. This process is usually painless, similar to the feeling of a pap smear.
Tips After IUI
Do not Stress:
You’ll return to the fertility clinic for a blood draw to see if the procedure was effective between 9 and 14 days after the intrauterine insemination (IUI). The period leading up to your pregnancy test can seem overwhelming. Take moments for yourself by speaking with a counselor, enjoying time with your partner, receiving a massage, or writing in a journal. Engage in activities that bring you joy or help you relax.
Avoid hot showers:
It’s advisable to avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and steam rooms until your physician gives you the green light. Heat can disrupt the process of implantation, so it’s wise to be cautious.
Keep your hopes in check
Just like with other fertility treatments, there’s a possibility that intrauterine insemination (IUI) won’t lead to pregnancy. Maintaining a positive outlook can assist many individuals during the waiting period, but it’s important to remember that if it doesn’t succeed, it doesn’t reflect on your ability to conceive in the future. It also doesn’t imply that you’ve done anything incorrectly.
Conclusion:
At Kanaa Fertility Centre in Chennai, Intrauterine insemination (IUI) offers a cost-effective and less invasive option for couples looking to conceive, especially those dealing with minor fertility issues. Our team is committed to helping you on your journey to parenthood. If you’re considering IUI treatment, reach out to Kanaa Fertility Centre to schedule a consultation with our fertility specialists and take the next step towards growing your family.
Dr B.Priya Kalyani
MBBS., DGO, DNB (OG)
Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist