Is It Normal to Have Diarrhoea After IUI?

If you’ve recently undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI) and find yourself making more trips to the toilet than usual, you’re not alone. Changes to your digestion, such as diarrhoea, after this fertility treatment can catch you off guard and  make you  wonder if this is a normal part of fertility treatment or something more serious.

Experiencing diarrhoea in the early stages of pregnancy is relatively common, but it is not a symptom that confirms pregnancy.

What to expect after IUI?

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure that treats infertility. IUI can help increase the chances of pregnancy by placing washed sperm directly in the uterus around the time an ovary releases one or more eggs.

IUI can be timed with your menstrual cycle. During your monthly menstrual cycle, one of the two ovaries releases an egg. Fertility medicines, such as Clomid, may be used during this treatment to help induce ovulation. 

After IUI, you can expect some mild physical symptoms, and it's important to manage them while also preparing for potential pregnancy. You might experience:

• Implantation spotting:

  • Approximately 20-30% of women may experience light spotting, which is a sign of embryo implantation in the uterine lining.

• Breast tenderness:

  • Hormonal changes post-IUI can cause breast soreness or tenderness in many women.

• Mild cramping:

  • About 15-25% of women may experience cramps 7 days after an IUI. It is common and often mistaken for early signs of pregnancy.

• Fatigue:

  • Increased levels of progesterone post-IUI can lead to fatigue. It occurs in a significant number of women.

• Mood swings:

  • Hormonal changes can also cause mood swings. It is a symptom experienced by some women that have undergone IUI.

• Bloating:

  • Hormonal changes can also cause bloating. It is a symptom experienced by some women that have undergone IUI.

Is diarrhoea after IUI normal?

It is normal for some individuals to associate diarrhoea after an IUI with concerns, such as miscarriage or the beginning of menstruation. However, it is important to understand that diarrhoea is also a normal physiological response.

Experiencing mild digestive changes, such as diarrhoea, is not uncommon after IUI. These symptoms are usually short-lived and may relate to hormonal shifts, medications, or other factors associated with the fertility process.

To determine whether diarrhoea is a positive sign of successful pregnancy or a potential cause for concern, it’s recommended that you:

• Visit your healthcare provider for a blood pregnancy test to confirm a successful pregnancy or have a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying infections or complications.

• Monitoring the presence of other early pregnancy symptoms.

Should I be worried?

Diarrhoea after IUI is usually not a cause for concern. Mild diarrhoea will usually resolve on its own. However, if symptoms are severe, persistent, and accompanied by pain, fever, or dehydration, it’s important to contact your fertility clinic or see a general practitioner (GP) to rule out any potential serious cases.

If you’re considering fertility treatment in Singapore, request an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our fertility specialists can help by providing a consultation to discuss your treatment options and offer personalised care tailored to your needs. 

What causes diarrhoea after IUI?

A variety of factors can contribute to digestive upset after IUI. Here’s a closer look at the possible causes:

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

OHSS is an exaggerated response to excess hormones. It usually occurs in women taking injectable hormone medications such as Clomid to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) causes the ovaries to swell and become painful.

Some other symptoms of mild to moderate OHSS can include:

• Mild to moderate abdominal pain

• Abdominal bloating or increased waist size

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Tenderness in the area of your ovaries

Hormonal changes

Changes in hormone levels following ovulation induction using fertility medications or IUI can affect gut motility, sometimes resulting in diarrhoea or changes in bowel habits.

Medications and supplements

Fertility medications, including those used to stimulate the ovaries (such as Clomid or gonadotropins) or support the luteal phase (such as progesterone), may have gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhoea.

Prostaglandins and cervical stimulations

Prostaglandins, naturally occurring substances in semen, can cause uterine contractions and may also stimulate bowel activity, leading to diarrhoea.

Procedures that stimulate the cervix during IUI can also trigger the release of prostaglandins and potentially cause temporary diarrhoea, as these hormones stimulate the digestive tract.

Stress and anxiety

The emotional stress and anxiety involved in fertility treatments can influence gut health due to the gut-brain connection. Hence, being stressed or anxious may contribute to an imbalance in your hormone levels, which affects your gut motility. This, in turn, triggers symptoms of irritable bowel, such as diarrhoea, in individuals who are vulnerable.

Dietary changes

Dietary changes can potentially contribute to diarrhoea after an IUI procedure, but they're not a direct or guaranteed cause.

While some individuals experience diarrhoea as a side effect of hormonal fluctuations or as an early pregnancy symptom, it's also possible that changes in diet, particularly increased fibre intake, could trigger digestive upsets in some people.

It's important to note that diarrhea can also be caused by other factors, such as infections or food poisonings.

When should I consult a doctor?

It is best to closely monitor your symptoms if you are experiencing diarrhea after IUI. However, you should consider consulting a doctor if:

• Your diarrhoea lasts longer than 2-3 days

• You have severe abdominal pain or swelling

• There are signs of dehydration (such as dizziness, dry mouth, or passing little urine)

• You develop a fever

• There’s excessive vaginal bleeding

FAQ

Is diarrhoea a sign of implantation?

Diarrhoea is not a recognised specific sign of implantation. Some women do report gastrointestinal symptoms in early pregnancy, but these are usually due to hormonal changes rather than the implantation itself.

Can fertility drugs cause diarrhoea?

Yes, some fertility medications, especially those stimulating the ovaries, can occasionally cause digestive disturbances, including diarrhoea, as a side effect.

What are the symptoms after successful IUI?

Most women do not experience any specific symptoms after successful IUI. Some may feel mild cramping, bloating, spotting, or very early pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness or fatigue. These symptoms can also be related to hormonal support rather than implantation or pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of failed IUI?

A failed IUI cycle often looks similar to a typical menstrual cycle. Menstrual periods generally resume as expected. Some women may experience premenstrual symptoms such as cramping, bloating, or mood changes.

Can rising hCG levels cause diarrhea?

A rise in hCG is a hallmark of pregnancy, but it is not directly associated with diarrhoea. Some women experience digestive changes in early pregnancy, likely due to hormonal fluctuations, but hCG itself is not usually the cause.

Can sperm fall out after IUI?

It’s unlikely that sperm will fall out after IUI, because the procedure deposits sperm directly inside your womb, far from the cervix. Minor leakage of the wash fluid used during the procedure may occur, but this is normal and does not affect the outcome.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.