Everyone hopes to extend their family at some point in their lives, but for some couples, it is like a dream that might not be able to fulfill. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is one of the options that a number of couples already opted for, and enjoying their life with family. With precaution and safety measures you can increase the chances of success. Now the question is about the precautions after IUI treatment.
This article will let you know about the practices that you should avoid and the food that should be consumed by women to increase their pregnancy chances.
Introduction to IUI
Intrauterine insemination is a fertility treatment in which an expert places a sperm sample directly into the uterus of a woman. Generally, sperm goes through the vagina to the cervix to the uterus, and at the same time, the ovaries release the eggs through fallopian tubes and later met with sperm. Under this process, a fertility expert washes the sperm to get high-quality one without any impurities. The aim of the treatment is to boost the chances of pregnancy.
Timing is very important in this treatment, as this is performed when women ovulate. The window is narrow, which means the time in which sperm is introduced to the fallopian tubes. This time the eggs are most receptive to fertilization. After intrauterine insemination, you will feel some mild side effects including-
- Cramps as the body is adjusting to IUI
- Breast tenderness and mood swings because of hormonal imbalance
- Spotting due to catheter insertion
- Mucus production will be high (it is a defense mechanism of the body to fight against infection)
- Frequent urination due to hormones that increase the blood flow
Don’t worry about these symptoms, as they may go away after a few days. If you still feel uncomfortable contact your doctor. As per Aveya Fertility Center, you should not avoid even the slightest issues during fertility treatment.
Precautions: which are necessary
- Sleeping position matter
Sleeping on your back puts a lot of pressure on the uterus which can decrease the flow of blood into the pelvic region. Your position should be where gravity helps sperm to get closer to the cervix. That is why, experts suggest side-sleeping, mostly on the left side, to increase the blood flow in your reproductive organs.
- Hot bath
Due to hot baths, you can disturb the natural environment of your uterus and imbalanced hormones, resulting in an increased risk for IUI treatment. Not only that, it also damages the quality of the sperm. So, if you have a habit of taking hot baths or sauna, try lukewarm showers, and avoid hot baths for at least a week.
- Sexual activity
Fertility experts recommend having intercourse 2 or 3 days prior to treatment. Once treatment is done, you should avoid any sexual activity for at least 24 to 48 hours, and let your cervix close properly. It is best to talk to your doctor about this more precisely.
- Medication
Some patients thought about taking over-the-counter medication to calm themselves or to reduce side effects. But you should strictly avoid any herbal supplement or medications apart from doctors recommended. These can cause disruption in fetal development.
- Avoid strenuous activity
Although exercise is good for physical and mental health, there are some days when you need to put yourself on rest. After IUI doing strenuous exercise can strain your body and put unnecessary stress which can damage the whole process. As per experts, it reduces the chances by 32%. Instead, you can walk or do gentle yoga, but after a few days of treatment. Moreover, ensure that you don’t lift heavy weights, not even at home. Ask for help if you needed.
- Not resting enough
Taking proper rest is necessary after IUI. It will help to settle down the sperm inside the uterus, leading to increased chances of fertilization. If the patient starts to work just after IUI, there are chances that the sperm will be expelled from the uterine cavity which can minimize the success rate. But most importantly, avoid taking any sort of trips. All you have to rest.
- Stress
Stressing about the result is common, but you can’t do anything about it right. So, it is better to sit back, practice things that are recommended by fertility experts, and enjoy your journey. Stress impacts hormones which are essential for successful IUI. To deal with this, try meditation, reading books, listening to music, painting, writing a journal, and most importantly, talking to your doctor.
- Toxins are bad for you
We all know harmful chemicals and toxins are filled with free radicals, and they have the ability to increase oxidative stress. It can damage the quality of the sperm, and its DNA, and reduce the chances of fertilization, leading to bad results. It happens because toxins can imbalance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and these disrupt the sperm membrane along with its mortality. Also avoid sitting in the sun for a longer stretch of time, because direct sunlight is mixed with harmful radiation which can impact the process.
- Follow-up appointments are necessary
Don’t even think of missing an appointment with the doctor. In every check-up, they will monitor the progress and address your concerns. If you facing any difficulty, don’t choose any homemade solution, and make consistent communication with the medical team. Patients’ health should be the top priority of the family, as check-ups will enhance the chances of success.
- Binge eating
Food that is high in trans and saturated fats like processed food, cold drinks, oily food, etc., should be avoided. These increase inflammation levels which directly impact the process of fertilization. Although, during that time, you might have the urge to eat food, try to add only healthy ones.
Things you should eat for IUI success
Pay attention to things you eat after IUI treatment, because a balanced lifestyle and nourishing diet significantly boost the chances of success. Here is a practical guide on what foods you should eat-
- Vegetables and fruits- load your food item with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, as they are rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, contributing to balancing health.
- Folic acid- leafy greens, fortified cereals, and citrus fruits are some examples. These will help in fetal development by assisting in forming the baby’s neural tube.
- Dairy products- based on scientific consensus, full-fat dairy products are high in vitamins D, A, and K. These are crucial for uterine health and support maintaining endometrial lining at a healthy level.
- Hydration- doctors recommend that patients should consume an adequate amount of fluid after IUI, as it helps in the transportation of nutrients properly throughout the body.
- Healthy fats and iron-rich food- avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds are some options of healthy fat, and these balance the hormone production in the body, making reproductive health better. While spinach, beans, meats, etc., are iron-filled food, maintaining blood levels. These will help you throughout your pregnancy, leading to a prominent result.
- Protein- this is important for muscle cell repair and growth. Paneer, tofu, beans, fish, and poultry are some lean resources of protein.
- Whole grains- due to their complex carbohydrates, these will aid in healing more efficiently by maintaining energy levels, supporting hormonal balance, and ensuring your blood sugar level is stable. Wheat bread, quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley are some of the resources.
Now it is time to cope with a two-week wait.
Yes, it can be stressful and daunting, but you have to wait. Don’t even think of trying a pregnancy test kit before two weeks, you will probably end up getting false results. Make sure to indulge in new things to keep yourself distracted. Spend time with supportive friends and family, try new hobbies, or explore new things.
Conclusion
Although the list of precautions is not that long, but habits of couples let them make mistakes, resulting in opposite results. You should be aware of the negative results of your choices. That is why, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendation to ensure the desired results. These precautions will not only increase the chances but also protect you and your baby from unnecessary issues. Moreover, if you looking for a more accurate answer contact Aveya Fertility Center. Choosing Aveya Fertility Center for fertility treatment is the smart choice for couples. Through advanced technology and professional teams, couples are getting their desired results.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Arzoo Chadha
