Understanding Ovary Pain After IUI: Causes And Management Tips.

Ovary pain after Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is quite normal and is experienced by almost 80% of women who undergo this type of treatment. While the reasons may vary from person to person, its effects are nearly negligible. But, the situation may not always be the same. The cramping can end up excessive causing concern. In this article, we are going to discuss the causes of ovary pain after IUI to let you know whether yours is normal or not. But, before diving into it, let’s have a brief discussion on IUI. 

IUI Treatment

Intrauterine insemination is a popular fertility treatment that is recommended for infertile individuals. Although the technique usually targets individuals who want to be single parents or couples who are in a relationship with the same gender, it is also advised for couples suffering from unexplained infertility, and endometriosis, and individuals diagnosed with low sperm count, decreased sperm motility, lowered quality of cervical mucus, and erectile dysfunction. During the procedure, sperm is collected, washed, and carefully placed into the woman’s womb using a catheter. Since a higher concentration of sperm is transferred into the female body, it increases the chances of fertilization. IUI is usually performed during the ovulation period and it also contributes to the increased success rates of the procedure. 

However, IUI does not necessarily get you the desired results. It might end up in failure if you do not give proper care and attention. Most women undergoing IUI have relieved their pain after IUI. Since you are here to know the exact reason behind the pain and when the interference of a doctor is required in this case,  let us get into it without causing any further delay. 

Cramping After IUI 

Before getting into our topic, which is the cramping in the ovary after IUI, don’t you think it is important for you to know what cramping is? Cramping is, basically, the pain you feel due to involuntary muscle contraction. Now, you might have received a vague idea about how cramping occurs in your ovary. 

Ovary pain after IUI is nothing sort of serious. If you are considering the treatment, then you would have already known about the role of ovulation induction medicines in it. These medicines are taken to increase the number of eggs that you release in a month. Whether tan ovulation is induced or not, it is usually painful. Therefore, it is normal to experience cramping in the ovaries during or after IUI. 

Another reason for the pain after IUI is the interference of the catheter in your uterus. To inject the sperm, doctors use a narrow needle, commonly known as a catheter, which is inserted through the cervix. This type of pain is only temporary as it vanishes as soon as the catheter is removed. 

Some women also feel the pain after the procedure and it is also considered to be normal since their body is exposed to new things. 

Causes Of Ovary Pain After IUI

Some of the common causes of ovary pain after IUI are as follows: 

• During and after ovulation- Even if IUI didn’t work out as expected, some women still feel pain during ovulation, which is similar to the pain they experience before their periods. This type of pain is not caused by the intrauterine insemination treatment. The pain is more likely to be excessive if you have taken ovulation induction medicines to produce multiple eggs. 
• Implantation- Sometimes, crampings are considered to be an indication of implantation, because most women experience a sensation of pain when the embryo sticks to the uterus. This might last several days after the procedure. 
• Uterine Irritation- Occasionally, the catheter used to insert the sperm into the uterus can cause infection, This type of infection may also result causing severe pain. 

Read More:- After IUI, How To Confirm Pregnancy?

How To Alleviate Cramping? 

When the cramping is minor, you can manage it the way how you manage your period’s pain. If you cannot suffer anymore, then you may depend on painkillers. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually recommended by doctors after intrauterine insemination. This is because such pain is expected to occur sooner or later after the procedure. 

If you do not want to take the painkillers, then you can consider doing gentle physical activities like walking around your home or doing some meditation. This can help in alleviating the pain to an extent. 

Read More:- Ideal Sleeping Positions After IUI For Improving Chances of Conception

Is Cramping a Cause of Concern? 

Pain is normal in the early stages of pregnancy. This is often due to implantation. However, if the pain is severe to the extent that it is interfering with your daily life, then there could be something wrong. These types of pain require immediate medical attention. After all, procedures like IUI and IVF require constant attention from your doctors. Chances are that you will also notice excessive bleeding or abnormal vaginal discharge in these cases. When you notice any of these, get to the hospital immediately. 

Success Rate of IUI

Since everybody is built differently, we cannot expect similar results from IUI treatment. Each couple responds differently to the procedure. While some get the result they desire, others might not get a positive outcome from an IUI. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the success rate.

However, there are a few factors that help increase the chances of conception via IUI and they are as follows: 

• Age- Women are more fertile in their 20s and early 30s. By the time they reach their late 30s, their fertility begins to decline. So, if you are considering taking these treatments after 35, it is more likely not to give a fruitful result. 
• The Cause of Infertility Should Be Known – IUI is not recommended for women diagnosed with severe endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes. If your infertility cause is either one of these, an IUI will not be suitable for you. So, if you want o increase the success rate of the treatment, then make sure you carefully look into the cause. 
• Use of Fertility Drugs- In most cases, doctors recommend ovulation induction medications to increase the chances of conception. You are supposed to take them as and when required to get the most wanted results. 

Conclusion 

Pain after IUI is not usually serious in most women. Often they disappear very soon. If not, you can take pain relievers recommended by your doctors. If the pain is too stubborn, then you may take a visit to the hospital to get the necessary medical attention as soon as possible.

However, you are directed to take as much rest as possible after the procedure. You should not push yourself to do major physical activities, because this may adversely affect the result you are seeking from IUI. Hence, always remember to stay calm with a positive mindset throughout your journey. If it is meant for you, ṭhen nothing can stop you from being a parent.