Female fertility is often influenced by more than one condition. This causes difficulty in conceiving and leads to delay in pregnancy. PCOS affects ten percent of women. However, IUI is an assisted fertility procedure that helps women with PCOS to get conceived.
This blog helps you to understand about IUI and PCOS. Follow them to increase your pregnancy rate.
PCOS Impact On Fertility
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is primarily caused due to imbalance in hormones. The reason for hormonal imbalance is that oestrogen and progesterone levels are peaked. The primary drawback of PCOS is the male hormone testosterone is present in higher levels and this decreases pregnancy rate.
Side Effects of PCOS in Pregnancy
- PCOS has high levels of testosterone and hence the female hormones are submissive.
- PCOS women have irregular to no periods.
- Ovulation plays an important role and when there are irregular periods this can affect the pregnancy factors.
How Can IUI Help With PCOS Women?
IUI, also known as intrauterine insemination, is an assisted pregnancy procedure that places sperm directly into the sperm. This reduces the distance the sperm needs to travel to reach the egg, increasing the conception process.
As PCOS is considered, IUI does increase the chances of pregnancy. This is because in IUI the sperm is directly placed during the ovulation process. Hence, the chances of getting pregnant with PCOS using IUI treatment are beneficial compared to other procedures.
Tips for Successful IUI with PCOS
Certain tips can be followed to increase your chances of pregnancy using IUI:
Understanding IUI and PCOS Basics
PCOS: PCOS is an endocrine condition that affects women after puberty. The symptoms of PCOS include menstrual cycle, irregular periods, and increased androgen hormonal levels. PCOS can cause changes in cycles of ovulation.
IUI Procedure: IUI is a direct pregnancy procedure where the ovary is placed in uterine lineage. This increases pregnancy chances.
Choose a Good Doctor
A good physician who understands your body type, medical conditions, and side effects is important. Moreover, the doctor should have experience in treating IUI and PCOS.
Comprehensive Testing: Testing is crucial in understanding the conditions and tailoring plans according to them.
Optimise Ovulation
Medications: To ovulate, your physician may give you drugs, namely Clomid and Femara. However, Femara is generally used in women with PCOS because it promotes better ovulation.
Track Your Ovulation: Do regular blood tests and monitor in ultrasound to track the follicle development and to understand the hormone levels. This aids in IUI timing.
Trigger Shot: If your physician recommends an hCG shot, then you can go for it. This shot induces ovulation after the follicles reach a desired size.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy Food- It is important to bring in certain changes in food consumption. Swift to consume lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Do reduce the intake of carbohydrates as they can spike insulin levels.
Physical Activity- Indulge in any physical activity. This will help to maintain weight and balance insulin levels.
Weight Management: Losing a small portion of weight can highly help in ovulation and promote positive chances of fertility treatment outcomes.
Decrease Stress- Stress is one of the factors for failed pregnancy. Practice yoga or meditation to keep yourself positive and free from any negative thoughts.
Time the IUI
Timing is important in doing an IUI procedure. After natural ovulation or hVG trigger shot, the IUI procedure must be performed within twenty-four to thirty-six hours. This will play a vital role in determining your pregnancy.
Sperm Quality
While your PCOS can be a problem, sperm health is another issue that needs to be considered.
Health of the Partner: A semen analysis that determines the count of the spurs, their size, and mobility to ensure sperm health.
Preparation of Sperm: Before starting the IUI the sperm is washed to promote its mobility.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS Risks: Women with PCOS trying for pregnancy are at increased risk of getting OHSS, especially if using fertility medications. Hence, be aware of the symptoms, namely rapid weight pain, pain, and bloating.
Guidance of Physician: Follow the instructions of the physician and if you experience any unusual symptoms do report to your fertility doctor.
Nutritional Supplements
Supplements: Consider taking supplements, namely Vitamin D, inositol, and folic acid. This may help in regulating insulin and promoting ovulation.
Food Rich in Nutrients: foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other inflammatory properties.
Emotional Support
Find your support system: Undergoing an IUI process in general is a rollercoaster ride. Turn to your support system when needed.
Seek Professional Help: You can also get professional help from counsellors if you are not ready to talk with your friends or family members.
Conclusion
In summary, IUI is a working procedure for women with PCOS. IUI is a direct procedure that helps women with PCOS to get conceived. Focus on eating healthy, do physical activity, and be positive. This can increase the chances of pregnancy with PCOS.
Research stated that using clomid produced seventeen percent of live births, whereas when clomid is combined with IUI, about nineteen percent of neonatal live births occurred.
It is important to withdraw from alcohol consumption and smoking. Follow a healthy diet, maintain an ideal weight, follow meditation, and be stress-free; this helps to increase your success rates.
After a successful IUI, it is important to eat green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, and other healthy vegetables and fruits.
