Are you searching for ways to make your IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) successful? Then this article is for you.
IUI is recommended for couples who have difficulty getting pregnant naturally. It involves collecting sperm from the male and injecting it into the uterus via a catheter.
It is normal for you to want to have a successful IUI procedure. But what can you do to increase the chances of success? Let’s look into some key steps you can follow to increase your chances of success in an IUI procedure.
How To Increase IUI Success Rates
You must be undergoing IUI treatment for some reason. Either you have an infertility issue, or you can’t get pregnant for some unknown reason. In that case, you have to take certain measures to ensure the procedure is a success.
This involves before, during, and after the procedure. The table below can give you a brief idea of what you should and should not do during the entire course of your IUI procedure.
| S.No | Before IUI | During IUI | After IUI |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Learn everything about the procedure |
Get ready mentally and physically for the procedure |
Relax and take adequate rest |
|
2 |
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet |
Get enough rest before the procedure |
Take the prescribed medication or supplements on time |
|
3 |
Avoid strenuous exercise. Do simple exercises instead |
Follow your doctor’s instructions |
Avoid strenuous exercise. Do simple exercises instead |
|
4 |
Take the prescribed medication or supplements on time |
Stay calm, and don’t panic |
Avoid hot baths or swimming pools - prefer showers |
|
5 |
Quit smoking, alcohol, drugs, etc. |
Notify your doctor in case of pain or discomfort |
Go for regular checkups. Stay positive and hope for the best |
Tips To Follow Before IUI
Do mild exercises
It is important to keep your body active and fit for IUI. Regular exercises for about 30 minutes a day can help you maintain hormone balance and a healthy weight.
Remember to do mild exercises like jogging, aerobics, and simple zumba. Don’t do hard exercises. They can have the opposite reaction on your body.
Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
Take foods high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat, and other nutrient-rich foods. Avoid unhealthy junk foods like fried and processed foods. Discuss with your fertility doctor and design a personalized diet plan for your IUI.
Take hormonal injections on time
You will be given hormonal injections to take before insemination. These injections will stimulate your ovaries and make then produce healthy, mature eggs. Take them on time.
Optimize sperm count and sperm parameters
Sperm quality is one of the major reasons why IUI is performed. It is best to do a sperm analysis and optimize sperm quality before IUI to ensure success.
Tips To Follow During IUI
The IUI procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that will be performed within 15 to 30 minutes. Here is what you can do to ensure the procedure is a success.
Follow your doctor’s instructions
Follow your doctor’s instructions during the IUI procedure. Remember, your fertility doctor is doing this to ensure you have a healthy baby. So ensure you listen to them and do what they say.
Understand the procedure
Understanding the procedure and knowing what will happen during insemination. This can relieve you of your fear and help you mentally prepare yourself.
Don’t panic, and stay calm
Your doctor knows what they are doing during the procedure. So, don’t panic and stay calm. Inform your doctor if you feel any discomfort or pain.
Tips To Follow After IUI
Relax and take adequate rest
Don’t do any strenuous activities after the IUI procedure. Take rest and do mild work for a few days. This is a very important stage of IUI. So, ensure you don’t do anything that can affect your chances of pregnancy.
Follow the prescribed medication
Your doctor will give you medications to improve your health and increase your chances of implantation and pregnancy. Remember to take them on time.
Avoid hot baths
Hot baths or saunas can affect your uterine temperature. This can affect embryo implantation. Also, saunas and swimming pools can increase your chances of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). So stay away from them.
Go for regular checkups
Don’t miss any of your checkups, and show up on time for them. These checkups can help your doctor assess embryo development and ensure there are no complications.
Conclusion
The lifestyle and safety measures you take during IUI play a significant role in deciding the success of your treatment. Have a good discussion with your doctor and take the necessary steps to improve your chances of success.
Also, don’t worry if your IUI cycle fails. On average, only 15–20% of couples get pregnant successfully on their first IUI cycle. So, stay positive and believe that you will get pregnant and have your beautiful baby.
Here is what you can do to increase your chances of success during your IVF procedures.
- Avoid strenuous exercise – do mild exercises.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet.
- Learn everything about the IUI process.
- Quit smoking, alcohol, drugs, etc.
- Take the prescribed medication or supplements on time.
Take foods high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meat, and other nutrient-rich foods. Avoid unhealthy junk foods like fried and processed foods. Discuss with your fertility doctor and design a personalized diet plan for your IUI.
IUI is mostly preferred for couples with minor infertility issues. Here are some couples with conditions eligible for IUI.
- Women with mild endometriosis or ovulation issues
- Men with mild sperm quality issues
- Same-sex couples
- Couples using a donor sperm
