Having your child is a joy that every couple dreams of. Some fortunate couples get to live their dream, whereas others struggle with fertility issues, a matter of concern for the parents. The infertility rate in India is recorded at around 7.7%, which increases with the increase in age at first marriage.
Couples with infertility issues are diagnosed as infertile, and many face some problems while conceiving naturally. Fortunately, the advancement in technology and science to this age can help many couples conceive whose chances were close to none at some point.
While IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) remains the most popular ART treatment, other fertility treatments are worth considering. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) is one of the practical and affordable artificial insemination procedures that can help treat female and male infertility.
The chances of pregnancy through IUI in completely fertile, healthy, and normal couples is about 20% per cycle. IUI does not involve taking out the eggs from the female’s reproductive system like IVF. There is a list of factors, including things to avoid after IUI, that may affect the chances of successful pregnancy through the procedure.
What is IUI all about?
IUI stands for Intrauterine Insemination and is a mild fertility treatment that increases the chances of a successful pregnancy. Unlike IVF, which involves invasive procedures, IUI is all about the insertion of male sperm in the uterus of the female counterpart through artificial insemination.
Male’s semen is usually transferred through a catheter, and the treatment is beneficial for couples where the other partner suffers from low sperm mobility or sperm count. In addition, IUI increases the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tube, further increasing the chances of egg fertilization.
Before the IUI procedure, fertility experts monitor the ovulation cycle and eggs to know whether the patient needs ovulation-inducing medications or not. The entire procedure is non-surgical and relatively simple. However, there are sure do’s and don’ts after IUI treatment that needs to be followed by the patient.
Things to Avoid After IUI Procedure
The IUI treatment is completely safe unless the patient has no history of health issues. Furthermore, to avoid any complications during the procedure, you must avoid certain habits and activities after IUI to increase the chances of pregnancy. Here’s a quick recap of don’ts after IUI:
Stress
Stress can prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg. It is because it affects hormones that reduce the blood flow to the endometrial lining and uterus, making it less receptive to implantation. It can also lead to hormonal imbalance that may influence the chances of conceiving.
To ensure increased chances of pregnancy after IUI, patients must take care of their mental and physical health and avoid unnecessary stress.
Smoking
Smoking after IUI can have direct effects on pregnancy and fertility. Therefore, couples planning to conceive through IVF must take a break from smoking habits during, before, and after the procedure.
Most women are unaware that smoking, even passive smoking, can harm their fertility and may lead to deformities in the baby. Therefore, quitting smoking, especially during fertility treatment, will help couples with the best-desired results.
Alcohol
Alcohol can also interfere with the hormonal levels in the body and lower pregnancy chances. Although alcohol consumption may reduce stress during IUI and IVF treatment, it can cause much other harm to your body. Therefore, it is advised to avoid drinking or using alcohol topically during IVF and IUI.
Caffeine Consumption:
According to research publish by NCBI, women who intake less caffeine have higher chances of conceiving naturally compared to women who intake coffee in moderate to high amounts in their daily routine. Therefore, doctors usually advise not to consume coffee during IVF, IUI, or fertility treatments to get positive results.
Unhealthy Food
While discussing the list of things to avoid after IUI, we cannot forget to highlight the importance of food habits. There are certain foods to avoid after IUI. These include raw animal products, soda, unpasteurized cheese, and many others.
The best way to ensure healthy eating habits during fertility treatments is to prefer homemade energy drinks and food during pregnancy.
Unprescribed Medicines:
Opting for unprescribed medicines during fertility or any other treatments can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, patients must only opt for the course of drugs prescribed by their doctors and must consult before taking any unprescribed medication. It is done to avoid the intake of any medicine that may intervene in the fertility treatment process.
Radiation Exposure:
During fertility treatments, patients must be careful about minor activities and things. One such thing is exposure to harmful or toxic radiation. These include long exposure to intense sunlight and work that may release harmful radiations.
Foods To Eat After IUI
Diet and eating habits play a significant role in fertility treatments. There is a list of specified food items you must eat during the IUI procedure to increase the chances of getting pregnant. If you are still not sure about which healthy food to opt for, we have a list of easily accessible options for you-
Walnuts
Walnuts are rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Pairing walnuts with oats and other healthy food items could help with increased fertility and better taste.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus food is rich in Vitamin C and can help increase the success rate through fertility treatments. Include grapes, oranges, and lemon in your diet to enrich your body with essential nutrients and maintain good health.
Fish
If you prefer to eat non-veg foods, then opting for fish is the best option for your diet. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, increasing the chances of a healthy and successful pregnancy.
Whole Grains
Eating whole grains is likely to reduce the risks of heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes, along with many other health benefits. In addition, consuming the right amount of whole grains during or after IUI can help you with increased positive outcomes.
Lentils
Legumes like beans, lentils, and peas are a rich source of fiber, iron, and protein. Iron helps build up protein hemoglobin and provides oxygen to the blood cells. Therefore, introducing lentils to your diet during pregnancy and IUI treatment may help you with extra benefits.
Final Words
Many couples dealing with infertility opt for IUI as a mild treatment to conceive. Most women know how to take care during fertility treatments, what to do after IUI, things to avoid after IUI, and other do’s and don’ts after IUI treatment.
There are various measures you need to opt for and ensure to increase the chances of getting pregnant. The assistance of fertility experts also plays a significant role in these procedures. Aastha Fertility Care has a team of the best fertility experts who assist their patients during each step, detailing all the minor do’s and don’ts for better outcomes. Schedule your Online Consultation Appointment now to know more.
Leave a comment