Are you considering IUI for your infertility issues? Then, the first question that you might have had is, “Is IUI painful?”
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is one of the best fertility treatments that has helped several infertile couples overcome their issues and get pregnant. Though it is helpful, many people have second opinions about the treatment.
This is mainly because of the speculation about whether it is painful. In this article, we will discuss whether IUI is painful and what you can expect during each step of the procedure.
Is IUI A Painful Procedure?
IUI is a minimally invasive procedure that involves fertility drugs and insemination. Here, the sperm is collected from the male partner and injected directly into the female partner’s uterus for fertilization.
Regarding pain, IUI might be slightly painful for some women. However, it is not painful to the extent that you need anaesthesia.
Most women report that they feel very minor pain or discomfort during the procedure. Some recover on their own, and some might require mild pain relief medications to recover.
Also, note that the level of pain you feel during the procedure depends on your pain tolerance. So, only you can decide whether the procedure is painful or not.
Pain Before IUI
You will be given hormonal injections before the IUI procedure. These injections stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. These injections might cause mild pain or discomfort.
You might also experience some side effects like nausea, tender breasts, fatigue, etc. These symptoms are caused by the rapid hormonal changes in your body. They are minor and will disappear in a few days.
Pain During IUI
You might also experience mild pain during IUI, that is, insemination. During this procedure, a speculum will be inserted through your vagina to hold it open. A thin catheter containing the sperm will then be inserted through the speculum to reach your uterus and release the sperm.
You won’t require anaesthesia during this procedure. It only lasts around 15 to 30 minutes and only causes minor discomfort. You can rest for a few minutes and return to your home the same day.
Pain After IUI
You might feel some pain and discomfort for a few days after the insemination procedure. This is mainly caused by hormonal changes and will disappear in a few days. Below are some common symptoms you might experience after IUI.
Lower Abdominal Pain
You might feel mild lower abdominal cramps about a week after insemination. This happens when fertilization is a success, and the fertilized egg is implanting in your uterus. It can also happen due to hormonal changes. So, having abdominal cramps is not a definite sign of pregnancy.
Back Pain
Lower back pain is also associated with implantation. The egg implants deeply into the uterus during implantation; this can put pressure on your pelvis, causing lower back pain. The pain will subside after some time.
Breast Pain
Breast pain is caused by the rapid hormonal changes in your body. It can make your breasts feel sore and sensitive to touch. Breast tenderness can also be a sign of embryo implantation.
Leg Pain
Embryo implantation or hormonal changes can also cause slight leg pain. It is also normal and will decrease after a few days.
Tips To Reduce Pain Of IUI
A little bit of pain and discomfort is inevitable during fertility treatments. But this does not mean that you have to bite down on the pain and go through it. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to manage the pain of IUI treatments.
- Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, meditation, etc.
- Consult your fertility doctor and get over-the-counter pain medications to relieve pain. Note: Don’t take medications without your doctor’s approval.
- Apply a warm compress on your lower abdomen in case of abdominal cramps.
- Don’t eat any salty or spicy foods that can induce pain.
- Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol during the treatment. They can affect your hormone levels and cause pain.
- Avoid strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects, running, etc.
- Avoid sexual intercourse if your doctor advises against it.
Which Is More Painful, IUI Or IVF?
If it’s any consolation for you, IVF is believed to be more painful than IUI. In IUI, you undergo only one invasive procedure: insemination. However, in IVF, you undergo two invasive procedures.
- Egg retrieval: This is the step where mature egg follicles are collected from your ovaries. You will be sedated during the procedure and might feel pain for some days.
- Embryo transfer: This involves transferring healthy embryos into the uterus for implantation. You won’t need anaesthesia, but it can cause mild discomfort and pain.
You might also have to undergo ovulation stimulation, like in IUI. This can cause slight pain and minor discomfort. You might experience side effects like nausea, bloating, fatigue, mood swings, etc. This pain usually reduces in a few days.
Conclusion
IUI is a good fertility treatment option that can help you get pregnant. It is not very painful and only causes minor discomfort that reduces in a few days.
Don’t miss your chance of having a healthy pregnany because you are afraid of its pain. Visit an expert fertility doctor and consult with them regarding pain during IUI. They will give you useful measures that can help you overcome the pain of the procedure.
No, IUI injections are not painful. However, you might feel slight discomfort and a stinging sensation every time you administer the injection. You can use a cold compress or pinch the injection site to numb the pain.
IUI is not a painful procedure. However, you might feel some pain during the insemination procedure. This procedure involves inserting a speculum into your vagina and holding it open. This can cause pain, which will disappear in a short time.
No, you don’t need to take painkillers or anaesthesia before the IUI procedure. IUI is minimally invasive and won’t be too painful.
