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What happens day by day after an IUI treatment?
Whether you are preparing for your intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment or have already undergone the procedure, the time following IUI can be emotionally challenging and overwhelming. Typically, there are minimal physical symptoms in the subsequent two-week wait (TWW). It is important to understand that you may not achieve a successful pregnancy during the first attempt, and several cycles of IUI may be necessary for success.
Below, we explain what typically happens day by day following IUI treatment, including common symptoms.
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The day of IUI treatment
On the day of your IUI treatment, your partner will produce a fresh semen sample. If you are using donor sperm, this will be thawed. The sperm is then washed to remove seminal fluid and debris, helping ensure that the best sperm are present in the sample.
After this, the sample is injected into your uterus using a soft catheter that passes through the cervix and into your uterine cavity. This involves passing a speculum into the vagina, similar to having a smear and is usually painless.
Following the procedure, the team will give you instructions on what to expect and when to undertake a pregnancy test. You may experience mild cramping and spotting, which are nothing to be concerned about.
1-3 days post IUI - During this stage, the sperm will travel through the fallopian tubes to come into contact with the egg, providing the opportunity for fertilisation. The resulting embryo then starts to develop into a ball of cells and slowly travels toward the uterine cavity.
3-4 days post IUI - Implantation has not taken place yet, but your uterus is preparing for it. Increased levels of progesterone following ovulation will help create the optimal environment for embryo implantation. You may experience breast or nipple tenderness, bloating, and mood swings.
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5-6 days post IUI - If the embryo is good quality, it gradually develops into a complicated ball of cells around this time, known as a blastocyst. This then begins to ‘hatch’ out of its shell and attaches or implants to the lining of your womb.
7-8 days post IUI - The blastocyst continues to expand and develop. As the embryo implants, you might experience implantation bleeding, which can present as light spotting.
9-14 days post IUI - If implantation has occurred, the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), enters your bloodstream, and the levels gradually rise. At this point, hCG levels are likely to be high enough to detect pregnancy, but it is recommended to wait 14 days post-IUI to take a pregnancy test.
We understand that this process can be physically and emotionally challenging. Consider engaging in gentle activities, spending time on your hobbies, prioritising sleep and taking care of your mental health. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your fertility clinic.
It is important to understand that some patients will experience mild or no symptoms at all, and this is completely normal. The only reliable way to determine if you have conceived is through a pregnancy test.
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When should a pregnancy test be taken after IUI?
Generally, you should take a pregnancy test two weeks after your IUI procedure, but your fertility clinic will provide you with a specific date. While it may be tempting to test earlier, it’s essential to wait until the recommended date. For the most accurate outcome, take your pregnancy test first thing in the morning, when hormone levels are more concentrated in your urine.
Once you receive your results, be sure to contact your fertility clinic for advice and guidance on what steps to take next. You will have the option to schedule a follow-up consultation or a counselling session for emotional support.
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