IUI is an infertility treatment that involves placing washed, prepared sperm directly into the woman's uterus on the day eggs are released from the ovary for fertilization.The procedure is done in the doctor's office.It should be relatively painless for you.Learning how to prepare for insemination is an essential step in the process, as it increases the odds of success.
Step 1: You should get an x-ray of your uterus and fallopian tubes.
Most doctors recommend that you have a hysterosalpingography before you are inseminated.The purpose of the test is to make sure you have a functioning fallopian tube.A technician will use a speculum in your vagina to clean out your cervix before the test.He or she will inject a dye into your body.An x-ray is taken with the dye in your uterus and fallopian tubes.The dye can be seen on the x-ray if your tubes are open.The procedure will feel similar to a Pap smear.
Step 2: Discuss the results.
You may need to get treatment if you have abnormal results.If you can't go through with insemination, your doctor will discuss your options with you.Complicated fallopian tubes could be one of the reasons this test might show.The results might be normal on a positive note.
Step 3: You should be prepared for a test for sexually transmitted diseases.
Some locations don't require this step, but you may need to have tests done if you want to be inseminated.If your partner is providing sperm, he will need to be tested as well.You need to do this well in advance of your insemination appointment because tests can take up to a week to come back.If you want to be tested for a wide range of diseases, you will need to provide a urine sample, as well as have a saliva test done of your genital area.You will likely need a blood test.
Step 4: Decide if you will use fertility drugs.
If they're having normal periods, some people choose to try insemination without fertility drugs.Others try fertility drugs.Clomid is a fertility drug that helps you release eggs when you ovulate.The drug is for women who are having trouble releasing eggs.Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome often have this problem.The drug is usually taken for 5 days in a row starting at day 3.The first day of your period is when you start bleeding.You may be given a drug to start your period if you don't have regular periods.fertility drugs increase your chances of having more than one baby at once, which makes your pregnancy more dangerousWhen trying to conceive without medication, the risk of multiples is only 1%.Should you talk to your doctor about this drug?
Step 5: You can use an at- home ovulation monitoring kit.
You can check your own urine for an increase in the luteinizing hormone with these tests.If you check for a rise, you know when you're ovulating.You can get these tests at drug stores, but your doctor might give you one as well.After your last period, start testing.You need about a week's worth of sticks to test your urine once a day with the kit.You can either pee into a sterile container or hold the stick and dip it in.You can use the test to find out what color the stick should turn into.
Step 6: Allow your doctor to watch you as well.
Your doctor can keep an eye on your ovulation through regular appointments.The doctor can see when you are ovulating with a transvaginal ultrasound.A dominant follicle is what your doctor will be looking for.There is a cyst on the ovary that can hold an egg.You may need an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin for this test.This drug can help you ovulate, so that you can be inseminated at the right time.
Step 7: You can schedule your appointment.
It's time to schedule your appointment when you show you are ovulating.Your doctor should have told you when and how to see you.
Step 8: Don't forget about the sperm.
If you're pregnant with your partner's sperm, he will need to come into the clinic and be able to produce on command.If you don't use your partner's sperm, the clinic should have it ready for you when you're ready.The sperm will be sent to the clinic from the sperm bank.Sperm needs to be washed after it is produced by your partner.The best sperm should be separated from the dead sperm and the seminal fluid should not go into the uterus.
Step 9: There will be some cramping and spotting.
Some women experience some symptoms after the procedure is over, but they go away quickly.Some women may experience mild vaginal bleeding for a day or two after the procedure.Take it easy on the day of the IUI.The day after the IUI, you can go about your usual activities.
Step 10: It is possible to de-stress.
Studies disagree about whether stress can cause infertility, but de-stressing may improve your chances of getting pregnant.A study shows that women who are more stressed are less likely to get pregnant.It can be helpful to try to calm down.A meditation class can help people de-stress.If you don't have time, you can practice deep breathing by taking a few moments several times a day.Close your eyes and find a quiet place.Count to 4 in your head while breathing deeply through your nose.When you exhale, count to 4 in your head.The benefits of yoga may be similar.You could try to remember what's bothering you throughout the day.You can have a good night if you get it out on paper.Listening to calming music can help you relax.It is possible to cut down on stress by exercising regularly.
Step 11: It's a good idea to eat a healthy diet.
Eating a healthy "fertility" diet may increase your chances of becoming pregnant.If you get pregnant, your body will be prepared for the baby with the right nutrition and vitamins.Get plenty of fruits and vegetables every day if you focus on chicken, fish, beans, and nuts.Make sure you have mostly whole grains in your diet.Try to eat full-fat dairy at least twice a day.It is possible to eat yogurt, cheese, or milk.Before IUI and after the procedure, you should have at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day.It will help to reduce your baby's risk of anencephaly and spina bifida, which are birth defects that can happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy.If you are pregnant, reduce your caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day.It's a good idea to cut out alcohol as well.Drink a lot of water.
Step 12: Try to visualize.
It may seem silly, but imagining yourself as pregnant can make you happier and less stressed.That increases your chances of getting pregnant.As you wait for your ovulation kit to arrive, try visualization techniques a couple of times a day.One way to use this process is to imagine yourself pregnant.Imagine what it would be like to have a baby kicking in your belly.Another way is to use a different image.Imagine your uterus as a lotus, slowly growing into a flower.
Step 13: It's time to stop smoking.
You should stop smoking if you haven't already.If you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant, you should stop smoking.Secondhand smoke can be just as bad if you ask your partner to stop.