Intrauterine Insemination FAQs

Intrauterine insemination, IUI or commonly known as artificial insemination, is one of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures, that helps treat infertile individuals and increases their chances of getting pregnant.

The process of IUI starts typically through oral medications to ensure that your eggs are mature and ready to be fertilized. Then, from your partner, a semen sample is collected which is put through a process called sperm washing to collect a concentrated amount of sperm which the doctor will insert into your uterus, through a flexible tube, at the exact time when you are ovulating. You may also be given hormones to stimulate ovulation.

Anyone who have been diagnosed with infertility issues or those individuals having trouble getting pregnant due to their work schedules or travelling or any sexual dysfunctions can benefit from an IUI implant.

Since the insemination is done during ovulation period, it normally takes about two weeks to know if the procedure was successful, if your pregnancy test results are positive.

It is recommended to rest for at least thirty minutes after undergoing through an IUI procedure, after which you can carry on with your routine.

Please refrain from (do not) lifting heavy weights for at least a few days after getting an IUI. In case of unavoidable situations, the maximum weights one can lift after getting an IUI is 4-5 kilograms. However, this may lead to injury of the uterus wall and decrease the success rate of IUI therapy.

You must avoid any kind of exercising at least for a week after getting an IUI. After which, you may start some mild activity which will help improve the blood flow in your body and hence improve the success chances of IUI. However, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities or exercising as per your obstetrician’s advice.

It is not a compulsion for the procedure, but it is always recommended to lose weight before getting an IUI, because weight gain is normal during pregnancy, and it is not healthy to cut down on meals during pregnancy. Also, being overweight or obese may lead to some health complications during pregnancy, hence it is better to consult your doctor and lose some unnecessary weight to have an easy pregnancy and delivery.

There are some signs or symptoms that are considered good indications of your IUI procedure being successful, such as - bleeding within two weeks of the IUI treatment, known as implantation bleeding; if your menstrual cycle is delayed; your breasts turn tender; you experience fatigue or nausea; you start having sudden food cravings or aversions.

It is advised to all women to rest and relax, take a break from work and avoid strenuous activities after getting an IUI. Also avoid consumption of caffeine & caffeinated beverages, alcohol, processed foods, raw seafood, and excessive spices, etc. Do consult your doctor / health professionals for an appropriate diet restriction personalised for you.

It is advised to wait for at least fifteen minutes before urinating, after getting an IUI implanted.