What to Expect After Your IUI Treatment

If you have been trying to start a family but are unable to achieve pregnancy, intrauterine insemination (IUI) might help. IUI is an assistive reproductive technique in which the female egg is fertilised through artificial insemination. The sperm is placed directly in the uterus to maximise the chances of fertilisation, eliminating the risks to the sperms involved in travelling from the vagina, via the cervix and up the fallopian tube to reach the egg. Usually, only 5% of sperms survive this journey. After the sperm is placed in the uterus via IUI, you can monitor the symptoms to check for success day by day. 

The IUI success rate depends on several factors, including the age of both partners. Younger couples tend to have a higher chance of observing success symptoms of IUI. So, before you choose to undergo this assistive reproductive procedure, learn how to monitor symptoms of pregnancy success after IUI. 

Day by Day Breakdown of the IUI Process 

Your fertility expert will first assess the reasons for your inability to conceive. Following this, if they determine that IUI is the treatment of choice, they might require the female partner to take fertility drugs to ensure healthy ovulation. Next, the sperm is collected from the male partner, washed and checked to separate the highest quality sperm. This sperm is then placed directly into the female partner’s uterus. 

Once the sperm has been placed, most people can return to their everyday activities. However, some women experience mild symptoms after IUI treatment, which could be indicative of success, such as mild cramping and spotting for one or two days. Although there are no restrictions on what you can do after the procedure, it is best to avoid activities that make you feel uncomfortable. 

Here’s a look at the symptoms to monitor day by day after the IUI process: 

Day 1 to 3:

In the first 3 days, cramping and light spotting are common symptoms of artificial insemination. This should not be confused with implantation bleeding. If the discomfort or cramping does not stop after 3 days, consult your doctor. 

Day 6 and After:

You are now close to the implantation window. At this time, you could experience light spotting, also known as implantation bleeding. Cramping or other types of stomach discomfort may also occur. Other symptoms of early pregnancy, indicating IUI success, include stomach discomfort, constipation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and exhaustion. However, in most cases, these symptoms do not occur till several days after implantation. So, if you don’t have these symptoms after Day 6, don’t worry. Just keep monitoring the IUI success symptoms day by day till you miss your period. 

After 14 Days:

You will need to go back to your doctor for a pregnancy check 2 weeks after the IUI procedure. High hormone levels are a symptom of IUI treatment success. You can also take an at-home test but they are not as accurate as the lab test. If the test is negative but you miss your period, you might need another test. If the test is positive, your doctor will monitor your hormones and eventually transfer you to an OB/GYN at the end of your first trimester. 

8 Symptoms of Pregnancy Success After IUI 

Successful implantation of the embryo after fertilisation usually occurs between 6 and 12 days after IUI. Early symptoms of success of the IUI process, which you can check day by day, are light spotting and mild cramping, as mentioned above. Other symptoms include: 

1. Breast tenderness: Hormonal changes can lead to the breasts feeling tender or swollen. 
2. Rise in basal body temperature: A slight increase in basal body temperature, lasting for over two weeks. 
3. Fatigue: Increased levels of progesterone can lead to feelings of low energy and tiredness. 
4. Delayed menstruation: A missed period is a classic symptom of pregnancy. 
5. Nausea or vomiting: Nausea or vomiting after artificial insemination is a symptom of IUI success. 
6. Food cravings and aversions: You might experience an increased appetite for some foods while being unable to bear certain smells. 
7. Heightened sense of smell: This is a surprising symptom of pregnancy success after IUI. 
8. Frequent urination: You might feel the urge to urinate more frequently. 

What To Do If the Procedure is Unsuccessful 

If the IUI procedure doesn’t succeed in making you pregnant, don’t worry. This is normal and it could take 3 to 6 cycles of artificial insemination before you see success. Your fertility specialists could recommend medications for you or both partners before the next cycle to bolster the success rate of IUI. 

Also, remember that there are many other options to get pregnant, apart from IUI. Visit your nearest Oasis Fertility Clinic to consult with our highly experienced fertility specialists. They can guide you on the available options. You can also try our live chat facility or call 1800-3001-1000 for immediate assistance. 

FAQs on IUI Treatment 

Q: Can you feel pregnant after 1 day of IUI? 

A: It’s pretty unlikely that you’ll feel pregnant just 1 day after IUI. Early symptoms like cramping or spotting in the first few days are more due to the procedure itself, not pregnancy. Signs of pregnancy, such as implantation bleeding, typically happen around Day 6 or later. So, don’t worry if you don’t feel anything right away—just keep an eye on how you’re feeling over the next few days. 

Q: How many days of rest do I need after IUI? 

A: You don’t actually need to rest after IUI. Most people can get back to their normal routines right after the procedure. You might feel some mild cramping or see light spotting for a day or two, which is normal. There’s no strict rest needed, but if anything feels uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to take it easy and listen to your body. 

Q: How can I confirm pregnancy after IUI? 

A: You can confirm pregnancy about 14 days after the IUI procedure. That’s when it’s best to take a pregnancy test. While you can do an at-home test, the one your doctor does will be more accurate. If your test is negative but you still miss your period, you might need to test again. If it’s positive, your doctor will track your hormones and help you plan the next steps, like seeing an OB/GYN after the first trimester.