Is IUI Process Painful?

Is IUI process painful? This question may come to your mind before considering IUI treatment. Here we’ll be discussing it is details.

Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI, is a non-invasive and painless process. However, different women may have different experiences, with some mild to little discomfort during the treatment. In this process, an experienced embryologist or IVF specialist injects collected sperm samples into the uterus of the woman.

IUI, also known as artificial insemination or alternative insemination, is a fertility treatment option which the experienced doctor mainly performs to increase the chance of conception. As we have discussed in the above section, the IUI process involves placing the collected sperm directly into the uterus of the female to reduce the distance traveled by the sperm to fertilize the egg.

So, if you are struggling with conceiving and considering the IUI process, then this post is for you. Here, Healthy Tips4us will be discussing the IUI process in detail. Thus, read this article until the end and know whether the IUI process is painful.

What Is IUI And How It Works?

IUI is an alternative option to improve your chance of pregnancy. This minimally invasive method does not require pain medication or anesthesia. During the IUI process, women may experience slight pinching and minor cramping as the catheter is passed through the cervix. This is a quick process that usually takes around 20 minutes and does not require any downtime.

The entire IUI process is divided into four different small processes, which are-

• Ovulation Induction:- to increase the chance of success, the doctor may prescribe hormonal medicine to improve the development of multiple eggs in the ovaries
• Monitoring– your doctor will closely monitor your menstrual cycle using ultrasound and blood tests to track follicle growth and hormone level
• Sperm Preparation– This is mainly done on the IUI day. After the collection of the sperm sample, it is washed and processed correctly in the lab to select the healthy sperm (having optimum motility)
• Insemination– to inseminate the prepared sperm sample, a thin catheter is used to insert the sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix

Expert Tips To Minimize The Chance Of Discomfort

As we have mentioned, few women may experience mild to little discomfort during the procedure, so there are a few crucial tips to minimize it which are:-

• Talk to your doctor– if you experience pain during the treatment, then talk to your doctor. They may adjust their technique or offer additional support to make you comfortable.
• Relaxation techniques– you can try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or smooth music. These activities may help you relax and reduce your anxiety.
• Have a support system– you can bring your partner, friend or family member to the appointment for emotional support.

Final Verdict

The expert believes that the IUI process is nearly painless. So, if you are considering IUI treatment, then relax and talk to your doctor. You may also try the above-listed tips to minimize your chance of discomfort during the process.

FAQ

Why would an IUI be painful?

In the IUI process, a thin, flexible catheter is placed inside the vagina to inject the sperm directly into the uterus through the cervix. Thus, this process is painless, and some patients may feel mild discomfort.

How long does the IUI process take?

IUI is a quick process which usually takes 15-20 minutes. This is because, after the treatment, your doctor may ask you to lie down to improve the chance of success rate of IUI treatment. This treatment doesn’t require downtown.

How much sperm is inserted in IUI?

After the washing and processing of the semen sample, 5-10 million motile sperm per millilitre sperm are injected into the uterus.