Overview
Infertility has become a common problem nowadays. Couples seek infertility treatment to start parenthood. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment in which sperm are washed, and concentrated sperm are placed directly into the uterus using a thin catheter. It is a less invasive and affordable treatment. It is recommended as the first treatment for people who suffer from mild infertility and want to enjoy parenthood. This article will discuss the IUI process, things to do before the first IUI, and factors for its success.
Overview: Understanding IUI (Intrauterine insemination)
IUI or intrauterine insemination is an assisted reproductive treatment. In this technique, concentrated sperm are directly placed into the uterus during ovulation. It increases the chances of sperm reaching and fertilising the egg, thus achieving conception. It is usually the first infertility treatment recommended for couples with unexplained infertility, cervical mucus problems, ovulation disorders, mild male factor infertility, and ejaculatory problems. It is a less invasive and affordable fertility treatment. The success of IUI depends on many factors, such as fertility problems, age, sperm quality, and the ovarian stimulation process. It offers promising results if chosen for the right cases after diagnosing the cause of infertility.
How to Prepare for Your First IUI Cycle?
Doctors evaluate your case by taking your medical and personal history. It is important to prepare well before your first IUI cycle to enhance the chances of success.
IUI should be done at the right time. It should coincide with ovulation. Your cycle should be monitored to estimate the right time for insemination. The doctor may give medications and injections to induce ovulation. You must check ovulation using ovulation predictor kits. The doctors also use ultrasound scans to monitor follicle growth. Some blood tests are also recommended to monitor hormone levels.
The doctor will also do some evaluations of both partners before the IUI cycle. You need blood tests to evaluate hormone balance and ovarian reserve. Men need a semen analysis to assess sperm health, count, and motility. Ultrasound scans are performed to track follicle growth, as well as endometrial thickness to determine if potential implantation would be possible.
Both men and women are encouraged to make healthy behavioural changes ahead of the IUI procedure, whenever possible, to maximise chances of success. Both partners should limit or abstain from alcohol and smoking. These aspects of a person's lifestyle can affect the health of the eggs and/or sperm. A healthy diet and balanced meals are also important in supporting egg growth and enhancing sperm quality. A healthy diet includes leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein (lean), legumes, and seeds. Improving body health (normal weight, balanced diet, regular exercise) improves the chances of success.
Stress is an important factor that should be controlled before the IUI process because it can negatively impact the treatment. Simple workouts, yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help manage stress.
Take proper medications and supplements to improve the chances of success. A doctor may recommend medications to stimulate multiple follicles. Supplements such as vitamin D, folic acid, zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and Coenzyme Q10 helps to improve reproductive health in men and women.
Tips for a Successful IUI Procedure
The doctors give instructions for a successful IUI procedure to make the process effective. These may include:
- Avoid skipping any medications and take them regularly as prescribed by your doctor. Notify your doctor about ovulation timing as per your doctor’s guidance.
- Choose healthy foods to support egg quality and hormone regulation. Include healthy foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, nuts and seeds, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
- Stress is a common factor that may disturb ovulation and hormone levels. Stay relaxed before and after IUI to get better outcomes. You must practice yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and mild exercise to stay calm and relaxed.
- Avoid heavy and strenuous workouts after the procedure. Avoid lifting heavy weights for at least 2-3 days after the procedure.
- Visit your doctor for a routine follow-up as advised. Your doctor may call you to prescribe fertility medications, check progesterone levels, schedule an ultrasound to check ovulation, and give instructions to wait for two weeks.
Common Questions Before Your First IUI
You must write a list of common questions to ask your fertility expert before your first IUI. You must understand the procedure, the medications to take, the activity restrictions, and the steps to follow after the procedure. You can ask questions before your first IUI such as how long an IUI procedure takes, is it feasible to conduct IUI at home, will I feel any pain during the IUI procedure, will I experience any risks or side effects of the IUI procedure, and considering my medical and personal history, how many cycles of IUI would it take to achieve pregnancy?
Conclusion
IUI requires multiple steps, so couples should understand the process and the steps leading up to the first IUI. Preparation for IUI involves pre-treatment evaluations, making some lifestyle changes, taking medications as prescribed, and periodic visits to the fertility expert. Couples can increase their chances of success with IUI by following recommendations from the fertility experts, choosing healthy foods to support reproductive health, and remaining positive before and after the IUI procedure. IUI is a simple, affordable, and effective fertility treatment for couples suffering from mild infertility problems.
Common Questions Asked
What is sperm washing?
Sperm washing is performed during the IUI procedure to wash and separate healthy and motile sperm from the seminal fluid. The washing of sperm provides a concentrated sperm sample for the IUI procedure. The sperm washing technique also enhances the chances of fertilisation.
What is ovarian stimulation?
The fertility expert will prescribe fertility medications during the IUI process to stimulate the ovaries in women who do not ovulate regularly, and to stimulate the release of multiple eggs that are available for sperm fertilisation.
Can I achieve success in the first IUI cycle?
The success of IUI in the first cycle depends on many factors. You must take prescribed medications regularly, eat healthy foods, reduce stress, make lifestyle changes, and have the procedure performed at the right time to achieve success.
When can I take a pregnancy test after an IUI procedure?
The doctor will ask you to take a pregnancy test two weeks after the IUI procedure. Testing earlier can give you false results.
How do I prepare the day before the IUI procedure?
A day before the IUI procedure, you must have a good sleep, relax, drink more water to stay hydrated, avoid lifting heavy weights, and follow all instructions given by your fertility expert.
What are the risks or side effects associated with IUI?
IUI is a simple procedure, and it has minimal risks. You may experience mild spotting and cramping after the procedure. Some women may experience infection if proper hygiene is not maintained.
Do I have to take fertility medications during the IUI procedure?
Your fertility expert will check ovarian reserve and egg quality. Some women are given fertility medications to induce ovulation and improve egg quality.
When is IUI not recommended?
IUI is not recommended if a woman has severely damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, has a history of pelvic infections, endometriosis, or severe male infertility.