Thinking about having intrauterine insemination (IUI) yet wondering about IUI side effects? Intrauterine insemination is the process by which sperm is deposited in your uterus through artificial means.
Unlike other high-tech treatments, IUI allows for fertilization to occur naturally inside your body. Also, because IUI is not as invasive as other ART methods, there are very few IUI side effects.
What causes IUI side effects?
The main IUI side effects are linked to the fertility drugs used in conjunction with the IUI procedure.
Your doctor will probably recommend that you take ovulation-inducing drugs to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. More eggs increase your chances of having a successful IUI procedure.
You will also take the hormone gonadotropins to stimulate the release of your eggs at the right time. Usually these hormones are linked to IUI side effects.
Ovulation-inducing drugs and IUI side effects
Ovulation-inducing drugs such as Clomid cause moodiness, depression, nausea or headaches. Some women experience hot flashes and visual disturbances. If your ovaries become over-stimulated from the medications, you may experience pelvic discomfort. Sometimes ovarian cysts may form.
Studies have found that these drugs may cause thinning of the endometrium and 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.
What are the IUI side effects with gonadotropins?
Gonadotropins are known for causing mood swings and depression. Because this hormone is administered via an injection, you may have swelling or develop a rash around the injection site. Breast tenderness, abdominal pain and bloating are also common IUI side effects with gonadotropins. If you have extremely swollen and painful ovaries, this could signal ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Your doctor will monitor you closely while on these drugs to ensure OHSS does not occur. But in extreme cases, fluid may accumulate in your abdomen and chest, and you may need to be hospitalized.
Greater chance of multiples
Another IUI side effect associated with the fertility drugs is a greater chance for having twins, triplets or more. The risk of multiples with IUI is still fairly small, about 10 percent on ovulation-inducing drugs and 30 percent on gonadotropins.
However, a multiple pregnancy puts the babies at a greater risk for complications such as premature delivery, low birth weight, developmental problems and health issues. You are also at risk for developing gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or having to go on bed rest.
Emotional IUI side effects
After months of trying to get pregnant, you may decide to use IUI with donor sperm. Donor sperm used in IUI can be provided by someone you know personally or by an anonymous male through a sperm bank.
Sometimes donor sperm are welcomed. A lesbian couple that’s trying to conceive will need donor sperm for conception. A single woman who wants to have her own child is able to with IUI and donor sperm. In addition, if your male partner has sperm issues, you may need donor sperm for IUI.
Sometimes, there are emotional concerns with using donor sperm. For awhile, your male partner may feel sadness. He may be resentful for not having a biological connection to the child, especially if you have one.
These feelings can place a huge strain on your relationship and the relationship with the child. Knowing this ahead of time, you can discuss the emotional IUI side effects with your partner, your reproductive endocrinologist or with a counselor or support group.
IUI side effects are minimal
When compared to other fertility treatments, IUI side effects are fairly minimal. Many couples choose intrauterine insemination for precisely that reason.
Starting today, discover all you can about IUI side effects. Then make sure you’re fully informed and emotionally prepared before making the decision to have IUI and get pregnant.
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
