Things to Avoid After IUI | Best Foods to Eat After IUI

While some couples can conceive easily, others might require assistance to fulfill their dream of becoming parents. Intrauterine insemination is one such type of fertility treatment that has gained popularity in the past few years. However, to ensure IUI success, aftercare is crucial. So, in today’s article, I will tell you what things to avoid after IUI to enhance the likelihood of conception.

Things to Avoid After IUI Procedure

1. Irregular sleep patterns

When expecting fertilization, you must make sure that you get sufficient sleep. Staying awake at night can stand in the way of your successful pregnancy. Good sleep, on the other hand, boosts the overall metabolism of the body, and you will be healthy and fit. Moreover, sleeping soundly at night will also keep stress at bay and reduce fatigue. So, sleep for 7-8 hours at night and it will have a positive impact on your IUI treatment.

2. Smoking and drinking

Everyone knows that smoking and alcohol consumption negatively affect the outcomes of pregnancy – be it natural conception or pregnancy achieved through IUI/ IVF. Even exposure to second-hand smoke during the IVF cycle can impair your chances of implantation and can lead to various complications. So, the moment you start planning your baby, abstain from smoking and alcohol consumption.

3. Saunas and hot baths

According to doctors, exposure of their bodies to extreme heat should be avoided by people undergoing IUI. That’s because excessive heat often negatively impacts egg quality and sperm quality. Therefore, for some weeks after IUI, it will be better to avoid any kind of heat-inducing activity.

If you don’t like bathing in cold water, showering in lukewarm water instead of getting into hot tubs is completely safe. It is highly recommended to maintain ideal reproductive conditions.

4. Strenuous activities

During your IUI treatment, any object that weighs 4-5 kg must not be lifted. Lifting heavy items can decrease the chances of success and cause cramps. The uterine lining can also get damaged and that will further lessen the effectiveness of the treatment.

Although you may travel after IUI, hiking for hours or participating in intense physical activities won’t be wise. So, please avoid strenuous tasks and certain exercises for as many days after IUI as your doctor deems necessary.

5. Stress

Doctors say that it is mandatory to remain positive during, before, and after IUI. If you take too much stress, it can trigger hormonal imbalances in your body, resulting in an adverse effect and making you infertile. That’s why doctors keep telling their patients to be optimistic and maintain their peace as precautions after IUI.

To take care of your mental health, block negative thoughts that might make you anxious. Keep yourself busy as overthinking won’t lead to anything good. You can read books, spend time with your dear ones, or do some other fulfilling activity.

6. Unprescribed medications

When you are wondering after IUI what to avoid, you must think twice before taking unprescribed medicines. Do not take any supplements or over-the-counter medications without your physician’s permission as these can interfere with the IUI treatment. Simply follow the medication prescribed by your doctor diligently.

Read to know: implantation bleeding after iui

Foods to Avoid After IUI

Now let’s discuss what food to avoid after IUI.

IUI is a highly delicate procedure. One needs to plan it cautiously and abide by the care instructions given by their fertility specialist. Just quitting smoking and drinking won’t suffice. Having certain foods can also decrease the success rate and caffeine is one of them. So, first, you have to limit the intake of caffeine as studies have proved that it decreases the likelihood of a successful IUI.

You should also say no to raw and uncooked foods as the probability of getting an infection or suffering from indigestion is higher when you have raw foods.

What else to avoid after an IUI? Sugary beverages, processed food, packaged food, spicy dishes, and any food that is difficult to digest should be avoided. Furthermore, fruits like papaya and pineapple are blood-thinners and they can disintegrate your endometrial layer. So, you should consult your doctor before having them.

Foods to Eat After IUI Treatment

After the IUI procedure, your diet should be nutrient-rich. It would help if you eat lean proteins like tofu, chicken, legumes, and turkey as these boost cell repair and growth. Whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, etc. provide fiber and energy to the body and stop the blood sugar levels from rising. To facilitate implantation, include healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Various veggies and fruits are equally important as they are loaded with antioxidants, making them the best foods to eat after IUI.

You should also drink plenty of water as hydration will ensure the consistency of the vaginal mucus which will assist the sperm in reaching the egg for converting it into a fertilized egg.

Parting Thoughts

So, that was all about things to avoid after IUI. In the end, I would just remind you that IUI requires patience, thoughtful choices, and dedication. When you avoid stress and strenuous activities and make healthy lifestyle choices, an optimal environment can be created for successful implantation.

If you would like to know more about IUI precautions, other assisted reproductive technologies, and the most reliable IVF centre, feel free to get in touch with us.

Read to know: Is iui a painful process

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.