Words can’t express the feeling of uneasiness and cramps during the IUI treatment. Even though it is a less invasive procedure among the other treatments, women undergoing IUI can cause high stress and anxiety.
In particular, when they feel any abnormalities or discomfort, their anxious level will be too high. But, don’t worry ladies. This blog relieves you from one of the fears, whether abdominal pain after IUI is normal or abnormal.
Keep exploring to understand the truth and know why many people say stomach pain as a positive sign.
What does it mean? Is it a positive or negative sign?
The recent researches say stomach pain after two weeks of IUI can be either positive or negative. Therefore, consulting fertility experts is essential to confirm whether it is good or bad.
Negative signs
Consumption of fertility drugs can lead to OHSS. It is a rare condition that makes the ovaries swollen and painful. This can also be a reason for abdominal pain after IUI.
In the IUI process, doctors insert a catheter and it passes through the cervix. It leads to an infection in your body and causes cramping with fever or unusual vaginal discharge.
These conditions cause severe stomach pain and affect your pregnancy. That’s why abdominal pain after IUI is considered a negative sign.
Positive signs
After two weeks of IUI, women could sense stomach pain due to implantation. It means the embryo attaches to the uterus and starts developing into a healthy fetus.
Hormonal changes can be the reason for abdominal pain that can be an early pregnancy symptom. Post the IUI procedure, you can expect successful pregnancy outcomes.
Causes of Abdominal Pain After IUI
So, mild cramping after intrauterine insemination is normal. But, what are the reasons for stomach pain? Let’s know about them in detail.
Hormonal changes
After an IUI procedure, a woman’s body undergoes many hormonal changes and prepares for pregnancy. As a result, they can sense mild cramps and abdominal pain.
Implantation cramps
Once the embryo starts implanting into the uterine wall, women can experience stomach pain or cramps.
IUI procedure
Some women have pain due to the IUI process itself, because sperms are inserted into the uterus with the help of a thin tube, catheter. This crosses through the sensitive cervix region that can irritate the uterus. It can also be a reason for cramping.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome OHSS
Fertility medications are provided to women during the IUI process to induce ovarian stimulation and for other reasons.
In rare cases, these medications can cause OHSS and can be a reason for abdominal pain.
Characteristics of Normal vs. Concerning Pain
Cramping and abdominal pain after IUI treatment is completely normal. This happens because of the sperm insertion and hormonal changes post IUI procedure. You can consider it normal when,
- Cramps are not so painful.
- Abdominal pain subsides very soon.
- Women undergoing the IUI procedure can consider the abdominal pain as severe when,
- You experience unbearable pain.
- Occurs with abnormal vaginal discharge.
- While you sense a rise in the body temperature (fever).
- There is heavy bleeding and extreme uncomfort.
- Symptoms of OHSS, such as breathing difficulties, weight gain, and others.
Managing Abdominal Pain After IUI
Mild cramping after IUI is absolutely normal. Women undergoing this treatment can manage the abdominal pain through these practices.
Stay hydrated and intake nutritious-rich foods
Monitor your water intake regularly to make sure you drink an adequate amount. You can also consume electrolyte-rich substances to manage the fluid loss in your body.
Cucumber, watermelon, oranges, coconut water, and strawberries are some of the best items to add to your diet after IUI. So, include them. Plus, add easily digestible and healthy foods fully packed with nutrients and minerals to get relief from abdominal pain.
Pelvic rest
This is the most important thing that helps to manage the abdominal pain after IUI. Avoid using tampons and don’t engage in sexual intercourse right after the IUI procedure.
Take sufficient rest and don’t disturb the delicate process of the reproductive system.
Heat compress
Applying a warm compress or a heating pad to the lower abdomen reduces the pain. Women can immediately consult the doctor to get personalized suggestions on using a heat compress.
Take time
One of the most important tips is to rest for a while. Don’t rush, take time to relax, rest, and sleep well, because involving in strenuous activity can make the pain worse.
Relaxation techniques
You can engage in simple activities that make your mind relaxed and calm. Practice mindfulness and do meditation for a fixed period of time. Prioritizing self-care can reduce stress and make you feel more comfortable.
Things to avoid
Make sure you don’t take an extremely hot bath or sauna after Intrauterine insemination. Because, it can have severe side effects on fetal development and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
When to consult a doctor
Women who go through the IUI procedure can try to manage the abdominal pain with the above-suggested ideas. Still, the pain continues or becomes worse, it’s better to fix an appointment.
Here are some circumstances discussed, indicating doctor’s assistance is essential.
- Abdominal pain becomes worse over time and doesn’t subside.
- Along with severe cramps, you have symptoms including fever, nausea, abnormal vaginal discharge, and vomiting.
- Cramps make you feel more uncomfortable.
- Heavy bleeding or spotting along with cramps.
- If you experience complicated signs of a rare condition, Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome OHSS, like severe nausea, bloating, rapid weight gain, and breathing difficulties.
- When the managing techniques didn’t work such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, monitoring your body before and after IUI is the most important thing. Generally, women could experience very mild cramps post the insemination procedure.
So, you don’t want to worry about it. But, if the abdominal pain is severe or accompanied with other serious issues like bleeding or fever, a doctor visit is a must.
In addition, you shouldn’t skip any of the follow-up appointments and ignore any symptoms throughout the process. Remember every individual’s body gives different responses to fertility treatments.
Thus, don’t believe everything you see or hear, instead confirm it with fertility experts.
FAQs
Abdominal pain after IUI is normal, but cramping with fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, or heavy vaginal bleeding need immediate attention. So, consult your doctor if you experience any of these severe symptoms and continuation of cramping even after a week.
No, abdominal cramping can be due to implantation and it doesn’t indicate your pregnancy. Proper tests in hospitals or clinics can provide you accurate information about current health conditions.
Abdominal pain after IUI is quite common and it could last about one to three days post the procedure.
