Is IUI a Painful Process? Know If IUI Treatment is Painful or Not?

Although intrauterine insemination (IUI) is one of the most effective treatments for infertile couples struggling to conceive, most people don’t know how it works. There are many myths about IUI and one of them is that it can be harrowing. So, is IUI a painful process? In today’s blog, we will answer this recurring question. Therefore, stay tuned till the end as we are here to clear all doubts of couples exploring IUI.

Understanding IUI Treatment or IUI Procedure

Like IVF, IUI is one of the most advanced fertility treatments. During this process, sperm is placed carefully into the uterus at the time of ovulation. It is a safe method and less painful than some other assisted reproductive technologies. It can also be done within minutes in an IVF center. You can go home immediately after the treatment. All these make IUI a favorable option for couples dealing with infertility.

Doctors recommend IUI to patients under the following circumstances:

too thick cervical mucus
genetic abnormalities possessed by the male partner
unexplained infertility
ejaculation dysfunction
low sperm count
sperm motility issues

Moreover, IUI has a high success rate and so, IUI may fulfill your dream of becoming a parent. The IUI process is painful or not? Scroll down if you are eager to know.

Who Must Avoid IUI Treatment?

Women with certain medical conditions cannot undergo IUI treatment. Those include:

damaged or blocked fallopian tubes (that’s because if the fallopian tubes don’t function properly and they can’t release eggs, IUI will not be effective)
being diagnosed with severe or mild endometriosis
when pelvic infection is the cause of infertility in the woman

How Much Time Does IUI Treatment Consume?

Once it is decided that IUI will be done, the first step is going for frequent blood tests, ultrasounds, and check-ups for blood tests for tracking follicle development. When a woman is ovulating, it is the right time to start IUI which is a quick procedure. Before that, medication is administered for ovarian stimulation (meaning helping the ovary to produce a greater number of eggs). This is generally done 36 hours before the IUI procedure. So, there are several steps like ovarian induction, IUI scheduling, etc., and these might take weeks.

Is the IUI Process Painful?

We have already mentioned that IUI is a minimally invasive procedure and therefore, usually painless. However, it involves inserting a tube into the woman’s body and you will be awake during the whole process. So, you are going to experience some sensations at that time.

So, mild cramping at the time of catheter implantation is not uncommon but goes away as soon as the catheter is removed. The pain level also varies from one person to another. The type of discomfort you may feel will be equivalent to the kind of discomfort one experience when menstruating.

Therefore, this mild soreness and temporary pelvic pain should not last long and need not be worried. Also, if you compare IUI with IVF, it is certainly less painful than IVF. But if the pain persists and you experience intense pain, it is not a good sign. In that case, you must consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Note: Hot flashes can be another side effect of IUI, and many women experience that.

The Takeaway

So, it goes beyond saying that IUI is an affordable option to boost infertility. The success rate of IUI is another reason why you should consider it. And now that you know IUI is not a painful procedure, what are you waiting for? If your fertility specialist thinks it is the best option for you, you should opt for IUI with a positive mind.

In case you still aren’t convinced about considering IUI, you can book a consultation with a reputed fertility clinic to know in detail what to expect during IUI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is more painful, IUI or HSG?

HSG is an advanced procedure that checks for damage or blockages in a woman’s fallopian tubes. It can be a painful procedure and the intensity of the pain differs from one individual to another. IUI also causes some discomfort, but many women who have experienced both say that HSG is more painful and the recovery time is also longer for HSG.

Q. Are periods more painful after IUI?

Although a minimally invasive process, IUI can affect a person’s periods. After an unsuccessful IUI cycle, the first period can be more painful than the usual menstrual cycles before IUI. The reason behind this is hormonal imbalances resulting from the IUI treatment.

Q. Is the IUI procedure painful?

Although accompanied by mild discomfort, IUI is not painful. You will feel a little uneasy when the catheter is inserted through the cervix, but as soon as it is taken out, the pain will disappear.

Q. How successful is IUI on the first try?

The success rate of IUI on the very first attempt is not more than 10- 20 percent. To increase the chances of conception, fertility specialists advise a minimum of 3 cycles.

Dr Ritu Agarwal

Dr. Ritu Agarwal is an appreciated IVF expert in Jaipur for IVF therapy, owing to her more than ten years of experience in this field. She is the top IVF specialist in Jaipur who makes every attempt to provide correct counseling and emotional support to patients in order to help them find the ideal solution for becoming parents.