Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
How to Improve IUI Success Rates Naturally
We work with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense for your health, lifestyle, and that addresses any and all of your concerns.
IUI Fertility Treatment
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is an artificial insemination procedure that places healthy sperm directly into the uterus to improve the chances of conception. This is a common choice of fertility treatment if infertility is due to low sperm quantity and/or poor sperm motility. We’re here to be your partners through the process – to support your mind, body, and spirit during this time.
Our Holistic Approach to IUI Treatments
Our holistic approach to treating fertility, including those undergoing IUI treatments, takes into account a myriad of factors that can affect fertility outcomes. We work closely with you to create a treatment plan that makes sense for your health, lifestyle, and that addresses any and all of your concerns.
Improve IUI Success Rates Naturally
Getting pregnant naturally after successful IUI depends on a number of factors. Our natural therapies performed before, during, and after IUI treatments help those going through IUI for the first time and those who have tried IUI in the past. Receiving acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs during this time can help treat medication symptoms, improve the health of the reproductive system, improve sperm quality, and help reduce the stress and anxiety of the fertility treatment process.
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture and IUI Treatments
Acupuncture during IUI treatment addresses the reproductive system by improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. Treatments also harmonize yin and yang energies and balance hormone levels throughout the body which improves sperm quality, egg quality, and the uterine lining. Relief from mental factors, such as high stress and anxiety, is also improved. These holistic treatments allow patients to improve fertility outcomes and reduce IUI medication symptoms, improve libido, and regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
During treatment, patients can expect to have acupuncture needles placed on the lower abdomen, legs, arms, and sometimes elsewhere, such as the ears. Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients may begin to experience results within 3-6 months of receiving weekly treatment. We will likely recommend combining acupuncture with Chinese herbs to maximize effectiveness.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and IUI
Herbal medicine to help support IUI treatments helps improve overall health for a successful fertility process. Formulas improve sperm health, egg quality, and the uterine lining by balancing yin and yang, qi, blood, and hormone levels. Herbs also help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce any side effects of medications used during IVF treatments. Formulas can also help reduce the high stress and anxiety levels often experienced during fertility treatments.
Results can vary based on a number of factors, however, most patients may begin to experience sustained results after 3-6 months of weekly treatments. After discussing your health history, we may recommend combining this therapy with acupuncture. We see better outcomes with improved results when these treatments are paired together for fertility treatments.
A Physical and Mental Benefit
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is IUI?
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is a fertility treatment that places healthy sperm into the uterus. This helps the chances that healthy sperm will reach and fertilize a mature egg during ovulation.
What Is the Difference Between IUI and IVF?
IVF involves retrieving mature eggs from the ovaries and mixing them with a sample of healthy sperm. Once fertilized, the embryo or embryos are placed into the uterus. IUI does not involve egg retrieval and is when healthy sperm is put directly into the uterus during ovulation. This is to help the sperm get as close to the egg as possible for fertilization.
How Does Intrauterine Insemination Work?
Prior to IUI, medications may be prescribed to help stimulate ovulation. Once ovulation occurs, sperm that has been treated and separated from the seminal fluid will be inserted into the uterus. This procedure increases the chances that healthy sperm will reach and fertilize a mature egg.
How Much Does IUI Cost?
IUI procedure costs may be partially or wholly covered by insurance. This procedure is usually significantly less expensive than other fertility treatments, such as IVF. Check with your insurance provider for more details.
Does Insurance Cover IUI?
IUI procedure costs may be partially or wholly covered by insurance. Check with your insurance provider for more details.
When Does Implantation Occur After IUI?
Implantation of healthy sperm via IUI can occur one to three days after hormone levels indicate ovulation.
What Is a Natural IUI?
Natural IUI is the same as IUI except that medications are not used to stimulate ovulation. This method may be a good choice for women with a regular, predictable menstrual cycle.
How Does Natural IUI Work?
Natural IUI works the same way IUI works except no medications are used to stimulate ovulation.
How to Prepare for Your IUI Treatment
Ovulation needs to be monitored by at-home ovulation predictor kits or by a doctor so IUI can be performed at the best time. A sperm sample is collected from the partner and “washed,” meaning it is separated from seminal fluid to only include healthy sperm. (Or a donor sample of sperm is prepared.) Once ovulation starts and the sperm is prepared, IUI may take place.
What to Do After an IUI Treatment to Make It Successful?
There are a couple of things you can do to increase the likelihood of a successful IUI treatment. Take care of yourself by eating healthy, taking prenatal vitamins, avoiding strenuous exercise, and lowering stress levels. Acupuncture is a great way to boost post-IUI health and reduce stress levels.
How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test After IUI?
It is recommended you wait to take a pregnancy test 14 days after an IUI treatment.
Can You Get Pregnant Naturally After IUI?
Yes, you can become pregnant naturally after IUI treatments. However, certain infertility causes that led to going through IUI can still impact future pregnancies.
Does Acupuncture Increase IUI Success?
Receiving acupuncture before, during, and after IUI helps improve IUI success. This therapy improves sperm quantity, sperm motility, egg quality, improves the health of the uterine wall, promotes blood flow to the reproductive organs, balances hormones, and lowers stress levels.
How Does Acupuncture Help IUI?
Acupuncture helps IUI by improving sperm health, egg quality, and increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs. For male-factor infertility, acupuncture helps improve sperm quantity, quality, or motility issues. Acupuncture also boosts the health of the uterus by increasing blood flow and improving the uterine lining. Additionally, this therapy helps relieve symptoms associated with IUI medications and reduces stress.
Does Acupuncture Help After IUI?
Yes, receiving acupuncture treatments after IUI can help improve blood flow to the uterus, reduce any cramping, and lower stress levels.
Is It Safe to Do Acupuncture After IUI?
Yes, you can receive acupuncture treatments after IUI treatment. This therapy is an effective way to ease the mind and boost mental health after the procedure. Acupuncture during pregnancy can also make for a healthier and happier experience.
What To Expect
You can expect to find a partner in your health journey.
At Transformational Acupuncture, we strive to provide a welcoming environment to each and every patient. We understand traditional healthcare can make some wary of seeking help, even if it’s for the betterment of their health. That’s why we take a holistic approach when treating each person. You will be listened to, treated with respect, and be seen as a true partner in your own health journey.
At the beginning of your treatment you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we’ll discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we’ll create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Your Patient Journey
At the beginning of your treatment, you’ll be asked some basic questions so we can establish a good baseline. From there we will discuss your specific needs and issues. After hearing from you, we will create a holistic plan that is designed to help you live the balanced, healthy life you deserve.
Learn more about your complete patient journey.
Get Started Today
Begin your holistic health journey by scheduling an appointment today. Schedule online or give us a call at (202) 297-7404.
To learn if your insurance covers acupuncture and other treatments, please fill out our short form to verify your benefits with us.
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