Intrauterine insemination (IUI), also known as artificial insemination, is the first step for many infertility patients, single women, and lesbian couples. So, what can you do to increase your odds of getting pregnant with an IUI?
- If using injectable infertility medications (gonadotropins) with an IUI, you must be monitored very carefully by a reproductive endocrinologist and be prepared to cancel the cycle if too many eggs are produced. Success means avoiding higher order multiples.
- If using an IUI to treat infertility look carefully as to whether it would be more effective and cost-efficient to skip the IUI and go straight to IVF. A great resource to understand this decision is “Clomid, Medicated IUI, or Straight to IVF“?
- Eat a balanced healthy diet in the months leading up to the IUI. Check out this resource: Foods and Diet That Can Increase Your Fertility. If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) reduce your carbohydrates and increase your protein. Listen to this interview with the author of The PCOS Diet Plan or read this article on What Diet Works for PCOS.
- Continue moderate exercise. Don’t necessarily train for a marathon, but move your body regularly.
- Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.
- Talk with your doctor about supplementing with coenzyme Q10 (Co Q10) and DHEA. There is little research on the effectiveness of these supplements to help you get pregnant, but your doctor may suggest supplementation depending on your diagnosis.
- Acupuncture has not been proven to increase your odds of getting pregnant, but many women feel better with acupuncture and self-care is beneficial.
- Do things each week that bring you joy and help you feel fulfilled. You are more than your desire to have a baby, and your life should reflect that.
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Creating A Family Resources on Self-Care for Infertility
- 9 Tips for Taking Care of Yourself in Infertility Treatment
- Impact of Infertility on Your Self-Esteem
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For even more information on IUI, listen to this Creating a Family show on Intrauterine Insemination: Increasing Odds of Success.
Image credit: Duncan Hull
Thank you for sharing the wonderful article of the IUI.
Thank you for sharing the information, we appreciate it.
Great blog, Thank you for sharing good information
Great blog, Thank you for sharing good information…
An excellently written article if only all blogger offered the same level of content as you the internet would be a much better place. Please keep it up!. Great tips, please check this one… (edited to remove personal contact info)