What are The Most Common Early Signs of Pregnancy Through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)?

Women undergo intrauterine insemination (IUI), a type of assisted reproduction in case of unexplained infertility, male infertility, etc. These problems may prevent women from becoming pregnant naturally. The sperm specimen is placed within the uterus during intrauterine insemination using a catheter-like instrument. If successful, the first indication of IUI pregnancy could appear as soon as two or three weeks after the embryo is implanted.

How Soon Can an IUI Pregnancy be Confirmed?

Waiting for pregnancy symptoms can be stressful or upsetting after multiple cycles of intrauterine insemination. One must wait at least two weeks before taking home pregnancy tests to determine an IUI pregnancy. A blood test is one of the most reliable ways to determine whether the pregnancy is successful due to its accuracy. When getting a blood test, some women may show physical pregnancy indicators. Others can lack the bloodstream levels of pregnancy hormones necessary to experience symptoms.

The zygote will not enter the uterus for four to six days after fertilising the egg. Implantation may take up to five days. The pregnancy test will successfully confirm the IUI pregnancy only once the HCG levels increase. Consequently, a pregnancy test should be taken at least two weeks or 14 days following intrauterine insemination.

Early signs of an IUI pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms following intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures are similar to normal pregnancies resulting from intercourse. Regardless of how the pregnancy occurs, the body creates the same hormones. However, IUI pregnancy shouldn’t be based on the symptoms solely, as every woman experiences pregnancy symptoms differently. Only a blood test can reliably determine whether a woman is pregnant.

1. Implantation bleeding

Implantation bleeding can resemble spotting before menstruation. The embryo embedding itself in the uterus wall naturally causes bleeding that occurs two weeks following intrauterine insemination. Some women may not experience implantation bleeding, whereas, in others, it may occur between six to twelve days following conception. Mild cramps may accompany the bleeding.

2. Menstrual delay

The body's hormonal changes might cause a delay in menstruation. It is best to involve the doctor in this case. Once IUI pregnancy has been identified, spotting and cramping may follow suit.

3. Breast tenderness

One common side effect of intrauterine insemination is sensitive, painful, and tender breasts. However, a test result may be necessary if the breast tenderness persists after the periods are delayed.

4. Fatigue

It is absolutely normal to feel weak and exhausted after intrauterine insemination. An increase in progesterone levels can contribute to fatigue and sleepiness. The body will expend much energy while preparing for pregnancy by producing more blood. Increased levels of oestrogen hormone can cause the stomach to feel empty, resulting in nausea. Nausea or morning sickness may result from the hormone play during an IUI pregnancy. However, this may not be everybody’s experience.

5. Food cravings and aversions

One may also experience food cravings or aversions because of hormonal changes taking place inside the body. However, some desires may also be linked to a body’s mineral inadequacies. Following intrauterine insemination, the cravings should be noted and discussed with a doctor.

6. High body temperature

The body temperature may rise due to increased progesterone. A rise in body temperature over more than 20 days is a positive indication of an IUI pregnancy.

How to Prepare for Intrauterine Insemination

The male partner will be asked to bring his specimen from the sperm bank to the fertility clinic. The sperm first undergoes “washing.” The lab staff separates the healthiest sperm from the sample after the sperm is “washed.” They also take out seminal fluid that shouldn’t enter the uterus.

You may also like: Importance of preconception counselling and care

Sperm washing ensures that the uterus receives only the most viable sperm to maximise the chances of conception. The woman will then lie on the examination room table. The physician will insert a tiny tube or catheter through the cervix into the uterus to inject the sperm.

The IUI treatment will take 20 to 25 minutes to perform. The procedure does not require an anaesthetic. The patient is encouraged to relax for up to 20 minutes after the procedure since dizziness or moderate cramps may develop in some patients as a side effect.

References

1. Cohlen, B. (2018). IUI: review and systematic assessment of the evidence that supports global recommendations. www.academic.oup.com