7 at Home IUI Tips to Increase Your Chances of Conceiving

IUI as part of your fertility journey

As a couple, it is understandable that you would want to do everything possible to increase your chances of conceiving, especially if you are facing fertility issues. One way to overcome this challenge is to undergo intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment.

Although IUI helps the sperm meet the egg by delivering it directly into the uterus (womb), the success rate still varies between 15% and 20%. To increase the chances of insemination, there are two important factors, a healthy egg released during ovulation and a large number of healthy sperm cells with good motility.

7 at home IUI tips

To increase the chances of success, here are some IUI tips you can do at home to get you one step closer to pregnancy.

1) Maintain an ideal body weight

Being either overweight or underweight can cause fertility issues in both men and women, such as:

• Hormonal imbalances

• Problems with ovulation (releasing an egg from the ovaries)

• Decreased effectiveness of fertility treatments

• Menstrual disorders

• Problems with erection

• Reduced sperm count and quality

To help determine your ideal body weight, a body mass index (BMI) is used. An ideal body weight will range between 18.5 and 24.9 on the BMI scale. Weights above 24.9 are considered overweight, with a scale exceeding 30 indicating obesity, while those below 18.5 are classified as underweight.

2) Exercise regularly

To maintain an ideal body weight and help boost fertility, it is important to regularly engage in mild exercises. Here are some exercises you can do regularly, such as:

• Regular walking  

• Yoga

• Cycling

• Pilates

• Dance aerobics

Learn more about exercises to boost fertility here.

3) Monitor your menstrual cycle

Monitoring your menstrual cycle helps track the release of eggs from your ovaries. Knowing your exact ovulation time is important for ensuring the right timing of sperm injection that can increase your chances of conception.

You can find out when you are ovulating by using an at-home ovulation test that checks for an increased level of luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine, tracking your body temperature, observing changes in your cervical mucus, or using a fertility tracking app.

4) Consume well-balanced, nutritious food

Routinely consuming a well-balanced diet, including food that is rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, could increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. Consider including these foods in your diet:

• Lean protein: Chicken, lean cuts of beef, and tofu, helps in the production of reproductive hormones.

• Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and help increase your fertility.

• Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, and brown rice, can help maintain your ideal weight.  

• Fruits and vegetables: Spinach, strawberries, oranges, or broccoli, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can increase fertility.

• Nuts and seeds: walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and almonds, are excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, and various other nutrients.

Learn more about foods to improve fertility here.

5) Reduce alcohol intake and quit smoking

To maintain your fertility and improve your chances of pregnancy, it is recommended that you limit your intake of harmful chemicals and stimulants, such as nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol.

6) Consume supplements

To increase fertility, improve egg health, and increase sperm production, couples may want to consider taking supplements that contains:

• Folic acid

• Zinc

• Iron

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Vitamin B, C, D, and E

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Learn more about fertility supplements and if they really work here.

7) Manage stress

Create a calm, stress-free environment, as stress can affect your hormonal balance and menstrual cycle. High cortisol levels caused by stress can disrupt key reproductive hormones like oestrogen and progesterone in women and even lead to an irregular cycle.

To maintain your mental health, practice stress management techniques, such as building a good social support system and practising mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises.

You should also aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep each night. A good night's sleep can reduce stress and support your overall physical, mental, and reproductive health.

If you want more advice on at-home IUI tips, request a consultation with our fertility specialists at Thomson Fertility Centre for personalised recommendations.

The insemination procedure

Once you've done your best to prepare for the IUI procedure by doing the above at home IUI tips, all that's left is to do the actual procedure. Here's what you can expect during the treatment:

Sperm preparation

Before the artificial sperm insemination process begins, your partner will need to provide a fresh semen sample. This sample then undergoes a "sperm washing," which isolates the healthiest and most motile sperm for the insemination process.

For the best results, it’s advisable to refrain from ejaculation for 1-3 days prior to the collection.

Additionally, sperm washing can help reduce allergic reactions in women who are sensitive to sperm, as it removes the corresponding proteins. A semen allergy can manifest on the skin around the genital area and other areas that come into contact with semen, including the hands and mouth.

Insemination

At the time of ovulation, the prepared sperm is injected directly into the uterine cavity using a thin, flexible tube (catheter). IUI shortens the distance it takes for the sperm to reach the egg resting in the fallopian tube, increasing the chance of fertilisation.

During this procedure, you may experience slight discomfort, similar to that of a Pap smear. When the IUI procedure commences, you can expect to:

• Lie down on the examination table with your legs placed into stirrups; after that, a tool called a speculum is inserted into your vagina, widening the vaginal wall.

• A vial containing your partner's healthy sperm will be attached to the catheter.

• The catheter will be inserted in your vagina, through the cervix, and into the womb.

• The sperm sample is then pushed into the womb through the tube.

• Once the procedure is complete, both the catheter and the speculum are carefully removed.

After the procedure

After the IUI procedure, you might be advised to take a short rest before resuming your normal activities, especially strenuous exercise. There are some mild symptoms that you can experience after IUI, such as mild cramping or light spotting for one or two days.

To determine if IUI is suitable for you, it is important to have a thorough consultation with your fertility specialist. Learn more about the IUI procedures we provide at Thomson Medical. Alternatively, request a consultation with our fertility specialist at the Thomson Fertility Centre for personalised recommendations and tailored advice.

FAQ

Can you perform an IUI at home?

No, an intrauterine insemination (IUI) must be performed by a healthcare provider in a sterile environment using specialised equipment. Attempting to perform IUI at home carries health risks and is highly not recommended.

However, alternative methods of at-home insemination, like Intracervical Insemination (ICI), are available. While ICI doesn't place sperm directly into the uterus, it allows sperm to be deposited near the cervix, increasing the chances for them to go to the womb.

How do I get the best IUI results?

To get the best results from your IUI procedure, you can do these 7 at home IUI tips, such as:

• Maintain a healthy BMI (18.5-24.9)

• Exercise moderately (walking, swimming, yoga)

• Monitor your menstrual cycle

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques

• Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours)

• Consume supplements

How do I get the best sperm sample for IUI?

To ensure the best sperm quality for IUI:

• Avoid ejaculation for 1-3 days before collection.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid alcohol and smoking.

• When providing your sperm, collect the sample directly into the sterile container provided by your clinic and avoid touching the inside of the cup.

• Try to get the initial part of your ejaculation in the cup, as it usually contains the highest sperm concentration.

• Do not attempt to transfer any spilt semen back into the cup.

Should I inseminate on my peak day?

Absolutely! To have the best chances of success, it's important to time artificial insemination for the day of ovulation. On this day, your ovary releases an egg, significantly increasing the likelihood of sperm meeting the egg in the fallopian tubes.

What food should I avoid after IUI?

After undergoing IUI, it's best to avoid certain foods and drinks that could negatively impact your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy, such as:

• Caffeinated drink

• Alcohol

• Fast foods

• Sugary food or drinks

• Raw seafood

• Fish with high mercury

How do I monitor my ovulation cycle?

To monitor your ovulation cycle, there are a few methods you can do, including:

• Ovulation test kits.

• Observing your basal body temperature.

• Monitor the consistency and appearance of your cervical mucus.

• Record your natural ovulation cycle with apps.

• Professional monitoring by your healthcare provider.

If you're considering IUI as a fertility treatment option, request a consultation with our fertility specialist at Thomson Fertility Centre for personalised recommendations and tailored advice.