Intrauterine insemination or IUI is a common form of fertility treatment. This procedure is conducted by a gynaecologist. This treatment requires a small tube with sperm to be inserted directly into the uterus. Most often, this form of fertility treatment is considered when normal conception methods have not been successful. This is also the first fertility treatment method considered before a doctor assigns more advanced methods of fertility treatment. Most doctors prescribe fertility drugs before conducting the IUI. Upon detection of the LH surge and examination of the follicles the doctor conducts the IUI procedure. This procedure may be conducted for up to six cycles. Another method of treatment may be necessary if IUI does not respond after six cycles. Many factors contribute to the success rate of IUIs. These include the cause of infertility and age of the partners. However, IUIs have a 5% to 20% chance of success.
What to Expect after Fertility Treatment
Women who have undergone IUI treatment may not know what they should expect after IUI. Most doctors do not warn them of the side effects and other complications. For example, it is quite a common occurrence for women who have undergone IUI treatment to suffer from stomach cramps. Cramping is a common side effect of IUI. This occurs most often when the doctor has difficulty in reaching the cervix during the procedure. Another problem with IUI is the risk of vaginal infection. Vaginal infections occur when certain bacteria enter the vagina. Vaginal infections result in discharge with a foul odour, irritation and itching. The cervix can also get injured when conducting this procedure. This may cause bleeding and spotting. Another problem most IUI pregnancy cases experience is multiple pregnancies resulting in twins or triplets.
What to do after IUI
Most doctors expect their patients to lie down for 15 to 20 minutes after IUI. This, however, may be unnecessary as the cervix does not remain open; therefore, leakage does not occur. Most women may experience a wet feeling after an IUI. This is not due to leakage of sperm, but rather it is due to cervical mucus loosened by the catheter. This is the normal symptom to be expected after undergoing an IUI procedure. Women who do not feel well after IUI and experience cramping and other complications may need to take things easy and rest till they feel that they have recovered. Reducing aerobic activity and other activities that may cause a miscarriage, if implantation has taken place, may be beneficial. Sexual intercourse is possible after an IUI treatment. Contrary to belief, sexual intercourse does not cause a miscarriage. However, doctors usually recommend a waiting period of 48 hours before sexual intercourse.
Implantation after IUI
An IUI pregnancy is the same as a normal pregnancy. The only difference is the process of how the sperm entered the egg. Women who have undergone IUI fertility treatment can expect implantation to occur six to twelve days after ovulation. A pregnancy test conducted any time after this period provides a positive or negative result. A home pregnancy test is 99% accurate when detecting pregnancy. The test is conducted by holding the absorbent tip in the urine flow for five seconds. The test stick should be placed face up in a flat position for two minutes. A plus (+) sign, two red lines or a positive colour indicate pregnancy. Women who received an HCG injection before IUI may get a false positive result. This may require another pregnancy test a few days after.
Preparing for the complications arising after IUI helps couples deal with the situation better. An IUI pregnancy is a much awaited pregnancy. The ability to conceive for most infertile couples occurs with the help of IUI treatment, and success rate can be increased with proper knowledge and deeper awareness of the procedure as well as what to expect and what to do after the IUI process.