Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a fairly common treatment that may help you get pregnant. If you are considering IUI, you may be concerned about IUI side effects. We hope this article puts your mind at ease. While most medical procedures carry some risk, the side effects of IUI are usually minimal.
What is IUI?
Intrauterine insemination is a process where sperm are deposited in your uterus through artificial means. Since IUI is not as invasive as other fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), there are fewer side effects.
Discover IUI success rates.
What causes IUI side effects?
IUI side effects are often linked to the fertility drugs used in conjunction with the IUI procedure. Your doctor will probably recommend that you take fertility drugs to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs for the insemination. More eggs may increase your chances of IUI success.
IUI and ovulation drugs
Ovulation-inducing fertility drugs used during IUI (like Clomid) may cause moodiness, depression, nausea or headaches. And some women may experience one of more of the following symptoms from fertility drugs and IUI:
- Hot flashes
- Visual disturbances
- Swollen and painful ovaries, signaling ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
- Pelvic discomfort
- The formation of ovarian cysts
Studies have found that fertility drugs for IUI may thin the endometrium and cause changes in the cervical mucus. These related IUI side effects may hinder your chances of getting pregnant. However, for the most part, the IUI side effects with ovulation-inducing drugs are often mild and disappear once the medication is stopped.
IUI and injections
Your doctor may suggest that you try injectable fertility drugs for IUI (like gonadotropins). These drugs help to stimulate the release of your eggs at the right time and may cause side effects like the following:
- Swelling or a rash around the injection site
- Breast tenderness, abdominal pain and bloating
- Moodiness and depression
Your doctor will monitor you closely while on these drugs to ensure OHSS (over-stimulation of the ovaries) does not occur. In extreme cases, fluid could accumulate in your abdomen and chest, and you may need to be hospitalized.
IUI and multiples
Another IUI side effect associated with fertility drugs is that the procedure can increase your chance for having twins, triplets or more. However, the risk of multiples with IUI is still fairly small. About 10 percent of women that take ovulation-inducing drugs and 30 percent that take gonadotropins become pregnant with multiples.
A multiple pregnancy is often a welcome and wonderful miracle for couples that have dealt with infertility. Still, a multiple pregnancy can put you and your babies at risk for health problems. Babies are at a greater risk for complications such as premature delivery, low birth weight, and developmental problems. You are also at a higher risk for developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or having to go on bed rest. Discuss the risks of multiple pregnancy with your doctor before starting IUI.
IUI side effects are minimal
As you can see, when compared to other invasive fertility treatments, IUI side effects are fairly minimal. Many couples choose intrauterine insemination for precisely that reason. Discuss your concerns with your doctor to make sure you’re fully informed and emotionally prepared before making the decision to try IUI for pregnancy.
Read more about the IUI Procedure.
Sources: American Pregnancy Association: Intrauterine Insemination: IUI. American Pregnancy Association: Infertility Medications American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Medications for Inducing Ovulation: A Guide for Patients Resolve: Fertility Medications
