IUI is a fertility treatment that may help you become pregnant. During this procedure, washed/concentrated sample of sperm is directly inserted into the uterus.
As with other fertility treatments, there is no guarantee IUI treatment will work. However, you can increase your odds of a successful pregnancy by following the dos and don’ts below.
Take your folic acid during IUI treatment
Part of the B vitamin family, folic acid assists with many of the key functions of your body. Specifically, folic acid helps with the growth of new cells, the production of new cells and DNA creation. In addition to all of that, this vitamin is used by a foetus during the early brain development days, depleting the mother’s supply. When there is not enough folic acid available, it does raise the risk of the foetus developing birth defects. There is also research that indicates folic acid can increase the chances of pregnancy. At minimum, you will need at least 1mg of folic acid at least 3 months prior to getting pregnant. Speak to your fertility treatment team if you have not started this already.
Eat a balanced diet and take care of yourself
A healthy diet will prepare your body for pregnancy and offer a more healthy internal environment for your future baby. Aim for a diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins and leafy greens to promote your well-being. Speak to your medical team if you believe your diet really needs to change but you are just not sure what to do.
Keep yourself hydrated and find healthy ways to reduce your stress level. There’s some evidence that stress can hinder your chances of becoming pregnant and the stress you experience coping with your infertility can even be a barrier to conception. Identify what helps you release your stress, such as doing yoga or attending a support group meeting, and do those things regularly to keep stress levels in check.
Don’t do strenuous exercise
Usually, you can return to your typical daily activities right after your IUI procedure. You don’t need to go on bed rest, but you should knock your activities down a notch in intensity. Very intense exercise, for example, can result in premature contractions that prevent implantation. Stick to low-impact exercises such as light aerobics, walking and yoga, and avoid more intense cardio workouts such as jogging. If you’re not sure about whether your usual workout routines are too vigorous, speak to your doctor and team about what you usually do. You may need to devise a new routine to use during this time.
Be aware of all your options
While your IUI treatment will increase the chances of your pregnancy, there is a 10-15% chance of success. If you’re not certain what is causing you to have challenges with fertility, use this time to discover the roots of your underlying issues. Work with Tripod Fertility’s experienced team to explore your fertility issues and all of the potential treatment options available to you.
For more information about our IUI procedures, please click here to contact us.