Know the Facts About IUI Risks
Considering a fertility treatment like IUI means also having to consider the risks involved with such a procedure. While many of the risks may seem insignificant in comparison to your desire to conceive, they do need to be seriously considered and discussed with your partner just the same.
The Risk of Multiple Births
Intrauterine Insemination brings with it the risk of having multiple births. This means that one in four women who undergo IUI will have a multiple pregnancy, usually twins. And, multiple pregnancies involving triplets happen in approximately one in twenty pregnancies for those undergoing IUI. As exciting as the prospect of twins—or more—may seem when you’ve been trying to conceive for what feels like forever, you do need to think realistically about whether or not being the mother to two or more babies is something that you want or can afford.
Multiple births also mean an increased risk of low birth weight and miscarriages. Many times, multiple pregnancies that show many follicles developing are cancelled within the first month to avoid risking multiple gestations.
Understanding IUI
It’s important to know that ovarian stimulation which causes multiple births is not necessary if the issue ismale infertility. The use of hormone injections and stimulating the ovaries when it is not necessary can cause harm to both you and further risk your chances of getting pregnant. These are things that you must speak to your doctor about before starting IUI.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
OHSS which is also known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is another risk that IUI treatments bring. Since the woman’s ovaries are undergoing more stimulation than during a normal cycle, they get larger and contain follicles filled with fluid. The ovaries can become excessively swollen, leading to OHSS.
The symptoms of severe OHSS include swelling and abdominal pain, nausea, and shortness of breathing and vomiting. A reduced urination output has also been noted. In these cases, hospitalization may be necessary. While this is a rare occurrence, it is still important to know the symptoms so that you can seek immediate medical care if needed. It should also be noted that women who suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) are at an increased risk of developing OHSS when undergoing IUI that requires the use of ovulation stimulation drugs. If you suffer from PCOS and are concerned about the risk of OHSS, you may want to discuss other options with your doctor.
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