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How to best prepare for IUI
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment is when a high-quality sperm is injected into the womb at the time of ovulation. This is to help increase the chance of the egg being fertilised.
However, before undergoing IUI treatment, there are certain things you need to consider, including medication and lifestyle choices.
Medical preparation
Each fertility treatment is tailored to individual patient needs. Generally, a fertility assessment will be carried out to determine if IUI treatment is suitable for you. This assessment will include an AMH blood test to assess your ovarian reserves and an internal ultrasound.
Female patients
For IUI to take place, the patient’s fallopian tubes must be open and healthy to prevent any interference with the fertilisation process.
If needed, the condition of the fallopian tubes can be evaluated through a procedure known as hystero contrast sonography (HyCoSy). During this procedure, a special dye is injected into the womb, and a vaginal ultrasound is performed to see if the dye passes through the fallopian tubes and spills out of their ends. Additionally, the ultrasound will check the uterus and ovaries for any abnormalities.
The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes and may cause some discomfort; therefore, individuals are advised to take paracetamol half an hour prior to the treatment.
Male patients
A semen analysis will be conducted to ensure IUI is appropriate for the individual. The patient will need to produce a sperm sample either at the clinic or at home. During the analysis, the sample’s volume and pH levels are examined.
It’s important to avoid ejaculating for a couple of days before your semen analysis. It is also recommended to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake leading up to the semen analysis as this can affect sperm.
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Medication preparation
IUI can be performed without medication, but this depends on individual circumstances and whether female patients require assistance with ovulation. For those who do need help, we may prescribe fertility medications to aid ovulation. These medications can include clomiphene citrate, letrozole and metformin.
This will be followed by ultrasound scans to examine the growth of the follicles. Follicles are the small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that hold the eggs. If too many follicles develop during the cycle, treatment may be stopped due to the risk of multiple pregnancies. However, our fertility experts will talk you through the next steps.
Lifestyle preparation
Adopting healthy lifestyle choices can have a positive impact on the success of IUI treatment.
It's essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, taking vitamin supplements and incorporating regular exercise into your routine can be beneficial. It's important to limit caffeine intake and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to improve overall health.
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Timing and monitoring
For female patients, monitoring their fertility window is important. IUI treatment needs to be timed at the point of ovulation so that the sperm may fertilise the egg. Our fertility experts will help you with this via ultrasounds and time the IUI procedure accordingly.
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How your partner can help
Both partners have a significant part to play, whether you are using a donor or your partner’s sperm or egg, it’s important to support each other in any way you can. After all, this is a life-changing experience. Being open with each other helps manage any concerns and worries that you may have.
We understand that this journey is not easy which is why we also offer counselling sessions with our treatment plans. These sessions will provide you with the emotional support you need and give you the chance any questions you may have.
Planning for the day
We understand how overwhelming the day of your treatment can be, but don’t worry our team will be there for you every step of the way. However. It helps to understand what to expect on the day of the treatment.
The male patient will produce a sperm sample, which will be placed in a container. It will then be washed and prepared by the embryologist. If a donor sperm is being used, this will be prepared in the same way.
The highest quality sperm is then injected into the womb using a thin tube, known as a catheter. The female patient may experience some discomfort and cramping but should be able to go home after a short rest.
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How you can increase your chances of success
There are several ways of increasing your chances of success with IUI treatment:
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Focus on eating a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Avoid strenuous activities and consider options such as yoga, swimming, walking, or cycling.
For male patients: Men should avoid ejaculation one to three days before their appointment to improve the quality of the sperm sample.
After treatment: Take time to relax! We understand that the waiting period before your pregnancy test can be stressful. Use this time to pamper yourself, enjoy activities with your partner, or indulge in your favourite book.
Get in Touch with TFP Fertility for IUI advice
For more advice on IUI or any concerns around your fertility, contact our patient support team today to book in your consultation with our fertility experts.
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