If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a year without success, it may be time to explore possible fertility treatment. One of the initial treatments your fertility specialist might recommend is an assisted reproductive procedure (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI).
As you consider this fertility treatment, you may have questions, such as when the procedure is typically performed and how timing may affect your chances of conceiving.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a type of artificial insemination that increases your chances of pregnancy by placing your partner’s sperm directly into your womb. Before the procedure, your fertility specialist will collect a sperm sample from your partner and prepare it (also known as sperm washing) to collect the healthiest and most active sperm.
Then during the procedure, your doctor will gently place the washed sperm directly into your womb using a thin, flexible tube (catheter). This treatment shortens the distance that sperm must travel to reach the egg in the fallopian tube and fertilise it.
Additionally, this artificial insemination procedure is less invasive and more cost-effective than other fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
When is IUI recommended?
During ovulation, your ovary releases an egg that travels down to the fallopian tube. Normally, this is the ideal time for unprotected intercourse if you're trying to conceive, because it allows sperm and eggs to meet for fertilisation.
However, natural conception can be challenging for various reasons. In such cases, your fertility specialist may recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI), which is often considered in the following situations:
Male factor infertility:
This condition is characterised by low-quality sperm, which can lead to a reduced sperm count, as well as small, weak, slow, or abnormally shaped sperm.
This condition also covers cases where your partner cannot get or maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse, also known as impotence.
Thick cervical mucus:
The cervix produces mucus that helps sperm travel from the vagina into the uterus so they can swim to the fallopian tubes where the egg is located.
However, if the mucus is overly thick due to scarring from a biopsy or other medical procedures, it can hinder the movement of sperm.
Ovulation problems:
This condition involves a decline in fertility due to irregular ovulation, a reduced number of eggs released, or anovulation (the absence of ovulation) during the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis-related infertility:
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that’s similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of it. This abnormal growth can cause an obstruction in the fallopian tube, preventing sperm from reaching the egg and fertilising it.
Semen allergy:
In rare cases, when trying to conceive, couples found that their partner had an allergic reaction to their semen.
This reaction can be triggered by an allergy to the proteins in semen, which causes a burning feeling and swelling where the semen touches the skin.
Unexplained infertility:
This condition occurs when your doctor cannot find the cause of your infertility despite a thorough evaluation.
If you suspect that you might have fertility issues and wish to find out more about intrauterine insemination, schedule a consultation with Thomson Fertility Centre. Our fertility specialists can help assess your reproductive condition and provide further information about this fertility treatment.
IUI specialist
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When is the best time to do IUI, before or after ovulation?
The first step of the IUI procedure is monitoring your menstrual cycle to determine when ovulation will occur. During the monitoring process, your doctor will use tests such as transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests to track the growth of the eggs in your ovaries and decide on the optimal timing for your IUI.
Based on these results, you may be given a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection or trigger shot, which mimics your body's natural luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and prompts ovulation to occur within 36 to 40 hours.
For IUI to be effective, it is usually performed 24-36 hours after the trigger shot. This timing is important because there's only a short window for fertilisation. This is because an egg can only be fertilised 12-24 hours after ovulation, whereas sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to five days.
Your fertility specialist will determine the best timing for your specific situation based on your individual cycle, response to medications, and underlying fertility factors. They'll work with you to create a treatment plan that gives you the best possible chance of pregnancy success.
How is ovulation detected?
In addition to ovulation monitoring carried out by your doctor, you can also track your ovulation at home. There are several methods you can use, which include:
Calendar method:
To predict ovulation using this method, record your cycle length for at least six months, then identify your shortest and longest cycles. Subtract 18 days from your shortest cycle and 11 days from your longest.
For example, if your shortest cycle is 24 days and your longest is 28 days, your fertile window would be from day 6 (24-18 = 6) to day 17 (28-11 = 17) of your cycle.
However, this method is most effective only if your menstrual cycles are regular each month.
Cervical mucus:
Your cervix produces mucus that changes throughout your menstrual cycle, providing valuable clues about your fertility. In the days following your period, your cervical mucus is thick and white, occurring in small amounts.
As you approach ovulation, however, the mucus becomes more abundant and changes in consistency to resemble raw egg whites, becoming clear, stretchy, and slippery.
Ovulation kits:
These home test kits detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that occurs 24–36 hours before ovulation. Similar to pregnancy tests, you simply urinate on a test strip or into a cup.
A positive result indicates that ovulation is likely to occur within the next day or two, making this method useful for timing intercourse or preparing for fertility treatments.
If you are preparing for an intrauterine insemination procedure or would like more precise ovulation monitoring, schedule an appointment with Thomson Fertility Centre. Our specialists can help monitor your ovulation date to determine your optimal fertility window, increasing your chances of conception.
How to increase your IUI success rate?
While IUI success rates depend on many factors, there are some lifestyle do's and don'ts that you can do to help support your treatment and overall reproductive health. These include:
Do's
Eat a nutritionally balanced diet that is rich in lean protein, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
Stay well hydrated by drinking at least 2–3 litres of water throughout the day to support your body's natural functions.
Depending on your individual needs, it may be beneficial to take supplements containing zinc, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), iron, vitamin D, vitamin B6, selenium, and folic acid.
Maintain an ideal body weight, as being underweight or overweight can affect fertility.
Engage in regular moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, to help reduce stress and support overall health.
Get enough sleep by sleeping for at least 7-9 hours each night to support your hormonal balance and overall well-being.
Manage stress by practicing techniques such as meditation, keeping a positive attitude, or doing breathing exercises.
Don'ts
In addition to the recommended lifestyle changes above, to help preserve your fertility and increase your chances of conceiving, you should avoid doing certain practices during the post-IUI period.
Engaging in strenuous activities, such as high-impact physical exercises, could interfere with the conception process and reduce the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine, which can reduce your chances of conception and negatively impact fertility.
Consuming processed foods that are rich in ultra-processed carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats can lead to infertility issues.
Taking pain relief medicines that may have an impact on the chances of conception.
Smoking can have a negative effect on both eggs and sperm, which can reduce fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.
FAQ
When is the best time for IUI?
The optimal time for IUI is usually 24-36 hours after a human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection or after a natural LH surge has been detected.
However, your fertility specialist will closely monitor your cycle using ultrasound scans and blood tests to determine the precise time that gives you the best chance of success.
How soon can you test positive after IUI?
To determine the result of this artificial insemination, you need to wait at least two weeks before taking any pregnancy test. Because taking the test too early can result in inaccurate results, such as:
A false negative result, which indicates that you are not pregnant, but in fact, the contrary is true.
False positive results, which indicate that you are pregnant when you are not.
How do I know if my IUI is successful?
The only reliable way to confirm if the IUI has been successful is through a pregnancy test two weeks after the procedure. But there are common symptoms that may indicate a successful IUI, including:
Cramping
Thicker cervical mucus
Nausea or vomiting (morning sickness)
Breast tenderness
Spotting
Headaches and fatigue
Emotional fluctuations
How can I increase my chances of implantation after IUI?
To help increase your success rate after an IUI procedure, there are a few steps you can take, such as:
Avoid strenuous physical activities
Get adequate sleep for 7-9 hours per night
Regularly take supplements to maintain fertility
Manage your stress level through activities like meditation or breathing exercises
To meet your daily water needs, try to drink between 2 and 3 litres of water each day.
Maintain a nutritionally balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and lean protein
What are the disadvantages of IUI?
Although IUI is generally safe and effective, it is important to be aware of any potential issues you may encounter.
Increased likelihood of multiple births:
IUI increases the likelihood of conceiving twins or triplets, particularly when fertility drugs are used.
Multiple pregnancies carry additional risks, such as premature labour and delivery complications.
Lower success rate compared to IVF:
Although IUI is less invasive and more affordable, it typically has a lower success rate per cycle than IVF. Success rates vary based on factors such as age, fertility issues, and sperm quality.
Not suitable for all fertility challenges:
IUI may not be effective for certain conditions, such as severely blocked fallopian tubes or significant male factor infertility. In these cases, treatments such as IVF may be more appropriate.
Requires precise timing and monitoring:
The success of IUI depends on the accurate timing of ovulation, which requires regular monitoring by your doctor.
What food should I avoid after IUI?
After undergoing IUI, it's best to avoid certain foods and drinks that could negatively impact your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy, such as:
Caffeinated drink
Alcohol
Fast foods
Sugary food or drinks
Raw seafood
Fish with high mercury, such as mackerel and swordfish
If you're considering IUI as a fertility treatment option or want further information about when the best time is to do it, request a consultation with our fertility specialists at the Thomson Fertility Centre for personalised recommendations and tailored advice.