Infertility can be an extremely emotional and physical strain on a couple who have been trying to conceive. According to Womenshealth.gov, infertility affects 10 percent to 15 percent of all women. The source of the problem can be related to the female, the male, or in many cases, an unknown factor that never is diagnosed. While there are multiple causes of infertility, one of the more common involves Intrauterine Insemination, or IUI.
What is Intrauterine Insemination?
IUI is a common infertility procedure used to assist in conception. During this procedure, the physician or practitioner places a catheter through the woman's cervix and injects the male's sperm directly into the uterus. Prior to this, the male's sperm is separated from the seminal fluid in a process called "sperm washing." The timing of IUI is based on the woman's ovulation and where she is at in her menstrual cycle. Many times, the woman takes fertility medications in order to provoke ovulation to increase the chances of conceiving.
After IUI Considerations
Couples who have undergone IUI usually have a plethora of questions. One of the most commonly asked questions is in regard to exercise following the procedure. Pregnancy.org recommends that a woman holds off on exercise at least until she receives a positive pregnancy test result. The reasoning for this is both medical and psychological. Medically speaking, it is important for the woman to keep her core body temperature less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit during conception and implantation. Psychologically, providers do not want the woman to have any reason to think she was at fault for a negative pregnancy test. If she were to exercise or do anything that she questioned to begin with, there is a strong possibility that she will falsely blame herself for the missed conception.
Exercise Alternatives
Some exercises are restricted even during pregnancy, such as heavy lifting or strenous cardiovascular activities. However, there are many options a woman has that can be done prior to her positive test result and maintained during her pregnancy. One option is meditation. The major benefit of this is stress reduction and relaxation. Infertility puts an enormous strain on people and reducing stress through safe means is a good therapeutic option. Yoga is another form of exercise that can assist in stress reduction while allowing the woman to feel as though she is staying active.
Considerations
No matter what the situation for the couple, if either person has any doubts following IUI he or she should contact a physician. Most couples do not anticipate infertility and if it becomes a part of their lives, questions naturally arise regarding the procedures involved and activities they can or cannot do. Questions such as whether it is all right to exercise following IUI are likely. It's important to express any concerns with a specialist in order to be knowledgeable and comfortable while undergoing this process.
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