Pregnancy Symptoms After IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

If you’ve gone through an intrauterine insemination procedure, there is nothing quite like the waiting period that follows it. The anxiety that follows can be overbearing. However, finding out you are pregnant can be equally or even more exhilarating. Every milestone and kick in the womb becomes a reminder of the incredible journey you and your little one are embarking on together.

After undergoing an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure, it’s natural to be curious about potential pregnancy symptoms. You can take a pregnancy test after IUI and check the results for more assurance. While every woman’s experience may vary, some common signs to look out for could indicate a successful conception and implantation. Read more to find answers to all your IUI-related questions.

What Is an IUI Pregnancy?

Pregnancy through IUI is an option for couples with trouble conceiving naturally. In this procedure, the sperm is directly inserted into the uterus to increase the chances of fertilisation. A catheter is used to place the sperm in the woman’s uterus. This method has been successful in many cases and is one of the best ways of artificial insemination available. For most women, pregnancy test after IUI results are positive.

Also Read: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) for Infertility Treatment

When Is IUI Treatment Used?

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) treatment is a fertility technique used in various scenarios to increase the chances of pregnancy. Here are a few situations where IUI treatment may be recommended: 

• Unexplained Infertility: When there is no identifiable cause for a couple’s infertility, IUI can be attempted as a less invasive option before considering more advanced treatments. 
• Male factor Infertility: IUI can help overcome certain male fertility issues, such as low sperm count or motility, by directly placing the sperm into the uterus.
• Cervical factor Infertility: If the cervix poses a barrier to sperm reaching the fallopian tubes, IUI bypasses this obstacle by placing the sperm directly into the uterus.
• Mild Endometriosis: For women with mild endometriosis, IUI can be a viable treatment option to enhance the chances of conception by optimising the timing of insemination.

How Successful Is IUI?

The success rate of pregnancy through IUI depends on various factors, including the age of the woman, serious fertility-related issues that probably haven’t been diagnosed, whether fertility drugs were used, and so on. Hence, the rate of success does differ from woman to woman. On average though, a woman who is under 35 years of age has a 10-20% chance of getting pregnant with each IUI. A woman around 40 years of age, on the other hand, has a 9.8% chance of getting pregnant with IUI.

When Do You Start Experiencing the Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Some women may see early signs or symptoms of pregnancy after the treatment. However, this is usually due to the intake of drugs that contain progesterone, which leads to a feeling of tenderness in the breasts, bloating, and fatigue. Actual pregnancy symptoms usually appear after two weeks.

Pregnancy Symptoms After the IUI Process

Implantation symptoms after an IUI procedure are similar to those of a normal pregnancy. Some of the IUI success symptoms include:

1. Implantation Bleeding

One of the first signs of implantation is implantation bleeding. While not every woman experiences this, it is considered normal either way. Implantation bleeding happens when the egg deposits itself in the uterus lining, causing a small vaginal discharge that can be easily mistaken for periods. Cramps can often accompany this. It is usually observed around six to twelve days after conception. Spotting and cramping are the most obvious symptoms of IUI success.

2. Menstrual Delay

A delay in periods is a big hint toward the possibility of conception. While spotting or light bleeding may be noticed in between, there is very likely nothing to be worried about. You can always consult a doctor if you notice any unusual bleeding worrying you.

3. Tenderness in Breasts

You may be headed towards pregnancy if your breasts feel heavy, sensitive, and slightly sore. Swelling and tenderness in the breasts are symptoms that are common during periods as well. However, if this symptom persists even after a delay in your periods, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test.

4. Nausea

Common symptoms also include nausea or morning sickness. This may be triggered due to an intense odour, an aversion to a particular food, or sometimes, for no reason. This happens due to an increase in the hormone oestrogen levels in your body.

5. Fatigue

You may feel very tired during this time due to a high progesterone level in your system, as this hormone induces sleep. In addition, your blood pressure and blood sugar levels also decrease. This expends a lot of energy and contributes to the feeling of fatigue.

6. Cravings and Aversions

You may develop an intense, almost unnatural craving for certain foods while at the same time, not being able to stand certain smells. This is a symptom of pregnancy that can stay with you for quite a while, even up until the end of childbirth. Your food cravings may often have you searching for food at odd times! These cravings and aversions toward smells and foods are caused due to hormonal changes in the body.

7. Consistently High Body Temperature

An increase in the level of progesterone can raise your body temperature. If you’ve noticed a rise in your body temperature for over 20 days, then it is a good sign, and you might just be pregnant.

Other Symptoms After IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Although an IUI is almost non-invasive, you may want to look out for any symptoms indicating something is wrong. One would be inquisitive about knowing what happens after IUI day by day. Although complications due to IUI are uncommon, it may help you to know about the signs of the same.

• Bright red period-like bleeding from the vagina
• Severe cramping in the abdomen or pain in the neck and the legs
• Fever
• Dizziness or fainting

These may be an indication of tubal pregnancy or infections. In such cases, you should consult your doctor immediately and seek the right relief measures.

When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Even though the IUI procedure leads to the insertion of sperm directly into the uterus, after the fertilisation of the egg, it will take about four to six days for the zygote to reach the uterus. Implantation can take another five days or more. The hCG levels, which confirm pregnancy on a pregnancy test, will take another few days to rise. Hence, taking a pregnancy test at least two weeks or 14 days after the procedure is best.

How to Confirm Pregnancy After IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)? 

Confirming pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI) can be exciting for couples trying to conceive. To alleviate the uncertainty, there are several methods to confirm pregnancy following an IUI procedure. Here are four to five points to consider:

• Wait for a Missed Period – One of the simplest ways to confirm pregnancy after IUI is to wait for a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is usually regular, a delay in your period can strongly indicate pregnancy.
• Take a Home Pregnancy Test – Home pregnancy tests are widely available and can be taken about two weeks after the IUI procedure. These tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. Follow the instructions on the test kit carefully for accurate results. 
• Confirm With a Blood Test – A blood test, often called a quantitative hCG test, can provide more precise results than a home pregnancy test. This test measures the levels of hCG in your blood, which can indicate pregnancy even in its early stages.
• Monitor Pregnancy Symptoms – Pay attention to any early pregnancy symptoms you may experience, such as breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea, or frequent urination. While these symptoms are not definitive proof of pregnancy, they can be encouraging signs.
• Schedule an Ultrasound – An ultrasound, typically performed around six to eight weeks after the IUI procedure, can visually confirm pregnancy. This imaging technique allows healthcare professionals to observe the presence of a gestational sac and a developing embryo.

FAQs

1. Are IUI Babies Healthy?

Yes, babies conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI) have the same potential for good health as babies conceived naturally. The baby’s health primarily depends on various factors, such as the overall health of the parents, any underlying medical conditions, and prenatal care received during pregnancy.

2. Can You Have Twins With IUI?

Yes, the chances of having twins or multiple pregnancies are slightly increased with IUI compared to natural conception. This is because multiple embryos may be transferred during the procedure. However, fertility medications can further increase the chances of multiple pregnancies with IUI.

3. What Are the Symptoms of Failed IUI?

The IUI failure symptoms are similar to those of a regular menstrual period. These may include cramping, breast tenderness, mood swings, and a normal menstrual flow. It’s important to note that experiencing these symptoms does not guarantee a failed IUI, as pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person.

4. Can I Get Pregnant in the First Cycle of IUI?

Yes, it is possible to achieve pregnancy in the first cycle of IUI. The success rates of IUI vary depending on factors such as the woman’s age, the cause of infertility, and the overall health of both partners. Discussing the success rates and specific factors related to your situation with your healthcare provider is recommended.

5. Is It Normal to Be Pregnant With No Symptoms After IUI?

Yes, it is possible to be pregnant with no symptoms after IUI. Not all women experience early pregnancy symptoms; the absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate a problem. Each woman’s experience with pregnancy is unique, and symptoms can vary widely.

6. Does Travelling Affect a Pregnancy After IUI?

Generally, travelling does not have a significant impact on pregnancy after IUI unless there are specific complications or concerns identified by your healthcare provider. It is important to discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you and your pregnancy.

Waiting for confirmation about your pregnancy after the IUI procedure may be stressful and emotional. However, you need to keep calm and avoid stressing over it. Confide in your partner and support each other during this crucial phase and try putting off taking a home pregnancy test for at least two weeks. And when the time is right, the best way to determine whether you are pregnant is to get a blood test done, as it ensures an accurate result.

References/Resources:

1. Cohlen. B, Bijkerk. A, Poel. SVD, et al.; IUI: review and systematic assessment of the evidence that supports global recommendations; Oxford Academic; https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/24/3/300/4858544; June 2018

2. IUI Basics; USF Health; https://health.usf.edu/-/media/Files/Care/Patient-Resources/OBGYN/IVF/IUI-Basics-Handbook-IVF

3. Symptoms of IUI Pregnancy; KJK Hospital; https://www.kjkhospital.com/symptoms-iui-pregnancy/ ; August 2021

4. Intrauterine Insemination: IUI; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/intrauterine-insemination/

5. Implantation After IUI: Symptoms to Look for and What to Expect; SCRC; https://blog.scrcivf.com/implantation-after-iui-symptoms-what-to-expect; August 2017

6. How Many Days After IUI or IVF Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?; New York Reproductive Wellness; https://www.nyreproductivewellness.com/news/how-many-days-after-iui-or-ivf-should-you-take-a-pregnancy-test; November 2018

7. How early can home pregnancy tests show positive results?; UT Southwestern Medical Center; https://utswmed.org/medblog/home-pregnancy-tests/; June 2022

Also Read:

Progesterone After IUI
Side Effects and Risks of IUI Treatment
IUI Success Tips to Increase Chances of Pregnancy
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination ) vs IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Which One Is Best for You