Intrauterine Insemination, generally recognized as IUI, is a fertility treatment administered to multiple couples suffering from male or female infertility. The procedure involves collecting and washing sperm samples and then placing the concentrated sperm in the uterus (this is generally done around the ovulation period).
IUI treatment in India is less invasive and more affordable as compared to other fertility treatments and is often one of the first choices for couples wanting to conceive. Even though it is a less invasive procedure, patients undergoing it must be extremely careful before and after the cycle is over. Thus, this article highlights some tips for taking appropriate care before and after IUI.
Tips to Care Before IUI
- Do Not Engage in Strenuous Exercises
During their menstrual cycle, many women will take medicines that stimulate the ovaries to grow eggs. As a result, the ovaries will enlarge, which can lead to pain or bloating. Therefore, avoiding strenuous exercises and focusing on low-impact exercises is recommended. Some of the best practices/activities you can engage in during this time are yoga & meditation, swimming, tai chi, cycling, regular walks, pilates, and dance aerobics.
- Healthy Meals
Your dietary habits will affect your overall immunity. Therefore, consume a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, healthy fats, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit the intake of caffeine and stop drinking alcohol. You can also consult your doctor about supplements and vitamins to improve your chances of success.
- Ask Questions
Understanding the procedure and clearing all the doubts are very important. Therefore, jotting down all the questions and asking the fertility specialists is very important.
The Procedure
After the female partner’s ovulation begins, the doctor will call them for the procedure wherein the concentrated sperm are placed in the uterus using a catheter.
Tips to Care After Your Procedure
- De-Stress
In case the IUI is successful, you will have to visit the fertility specialist for a blood test. The waiting time of nine to fourteen days can be stressful for many but focus on your physical and mental health. Surround yourself with positivity, as anxiety and stress can affect your chances of successful conception.
- No Hot Baths
Hot baths, saunas, and hot tubs are undoubtedly relaxing, but you should not engage in them. This is because external heat can disturb the process of implantation.
- Manage Expectations
Please understand that several factors affect the cycle/procedure’s success rate, and not every procedure will have positive results. Therefore, you must stay positive and know that one failure is not the end. You can discuss the chances and expectations with your fertility specialist for a better idea.
Wrapping Up
IUI as a fertility treatment is extremely beneficial for couples with unknown causes of infertility, low semen quality, and same-sex. It is also useful for women with ovulatory disorders, mild endometriosis, and those using a donor’s sperm. To understand the procedure, plan, and IUI treatment cost in India, visit infertility clinics or hospitals.
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