Most women consider white discharge after the IUI process as a negative sign of pregnancy. However, this is not true. There are several reasons for having white discharge after IUI.
Learn more about white discharge in this blog and when to consult your doctor.
White Discharge after IUI
After the IUI treatment , there are some common processes that your body undergoes which is a natural part of the IUI. One such natural process is the discharge of white mucus.
Most women think that it’s a negative sign. However, there is no need to worry. The cloudy white discharge is just the cervical mucus, along with vaginal secretions and the IUI fluids used during the procedure.
Until the discharge is accompanied by a foul smell or pain, it is not a problem. After the insemination, the white discharge may last up to a few days and is nothing to worry about.
Reason for White Discharge after IUI
A white discharge is a natural process that women undergo during pregnancy. Certain factors contribute to it and are explained below:
Residual Fluids
Residual fluids are waste fluids that are used during the placement of sperm in the cervix during the IUI process. The remaining cleansing fluid may present in the cervix that exits from the area through the vaginal fluids.
Cervical Mucus
If you experience a milky or cloudy discharge, it is just the mucus in the cervix, which is a natural process that happens in the body. After IUI, the mucus can mix with the residual fluid, and discharge occurs.
Vaginal Secretions
The vagina secretes fluids and maintains a pH that helps to maintain a balance against infections. When IUI takes place, these secretions blend with other fluids and cause white discharge.
Hormonal Fluctuations
post-IUI, your body will undergo huge hormonal changes. This is another important factor in cervical secretions.
Irritation or Inflammation
The IUI procedure introduces a catheter through the cervix, resulting in irritation and inflammation. This contributes to an increase in cervical mucus.
How Long White Discharge After IUI is Safe?
A small amount of white discharge is always safe. However, there are certain signs that you should be aware of, namely:
- If your discharge is clumpy or cheesy, then it is an indication of yeast infection.
- If you have an unpleasant odor, it could also indicate a bacterial or other infection.
- If you experience a burning sensation in your vagina or genitals, it can also be an infection.
- If you experience extreme pain in the cervix or pelvis, then it means that there are complications.
The duration of IUI normally depends on the woman’s body. However, any discharge after seven days should be taken seriously.
When to Visit a Doctor?
There are also other symptoms that you should look out for and visit your doctor if you experience certain situations:
Persistent Symptoms
If you experience abdominal pain, fever, or severe cramps, then it is important to focus on these symptoms and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Abnormal Discharge
If the discharge is in abnormal colour namely green, yellow, or smells bad then it indicates infection. At this time consult your doctor.
Negative Pregnancy Test
After the IUI process and the waiting period, if the pregnancy results show negative results, then it is important to consult the doctors.
Psychological Concerns
IUI is an emotionally challenging process. Symptoms, namely anxiety, stress, or emotional weakness, are common, but they do need support and counseling from healthcare professionals.
An Unsuccessful Cycle in the Past
In case you had an unsuccessful cycle in the past, then it is better to consult your doctor with the information and plan your next steps.
Tips to Maintain a Good Vaginal Health After an IUI Process
There are certain tips that one can follow to maintain good vaginal health after the IUI process, and they are listed below:
- pH plays a crucial role in vaginal health. Hence, don’t use scented soaps or hygiene products; prefer mild soaps.
- To avoid the risk of infection, wear breathable cotton underwear to prevent the buildup of moisture.
- Clean yourself well with towels
- Avoid sexual intercourse
- It is important to have a square meal and eat lots of vegetables, nuts, and fruits.
- Drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated.
Successful Symptoms After an IUI Procedure
If you experience the below symptoms after IUI, then it is a good sign that indicates positive pregnancy.
- Light spotting or bleeding in the vagina
- Frequent urination
- A difference in breast tenderness
- Vomiting
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Vaginal Discharge
Failure Symptoms After an IUI
Here are a few symptoms that may indicate a negative pregnancy. If you observe any of these symptoms in your body, kindly visit your fertility doctor.
- Negative pregnancy test
- Periods
- Not experiencing any pregnancy symptoms.
Conclusion
In summary, it is normal to experience certain symptoms after an IUI treatment. Most of these symptoms are a result of changes in hormones or the physique of our body. It is also normal to undergo these changes.
However, after your IUI, if you experience any of the odd symptoms, such as foul smell or periods, then it is better to consult your doctor about your symptoms and focus on their treatment options.
A normal vaginal discharge after the IUI procedure is just the fluid used for the experiment, along with the vaginal fluid. Hence, it should be creamy or milky white with no foul smell.
IUI is a procedure that decreases the time taken by the sperm to reach the ovary. However, the general success rate is around ten to twenty percent on the first cycle.
If the implant is successful, you will experience symptoms such as mild bleeding, cramps, mood changes, nausea, and discharge.
Once the sperm is placed in the cervix, the sperm will not fall out. However, you can experience certain wetness due to the catheter procedure as it loosens mucus.
In some cases, white, milky discharge lasting for a week or two is considered a positive pregnancy sign. However, if it is clumpy and smells bad, then it is better to visit the doctor.
