When to do Pregnancy Test After IUI
- 12 Apr, 2023
- IVF and Infertility
- infertility
- Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Nishi Singh - Author: Prime IVF Centre
IUI is a common fertility procedure that involves placing sperm directly into a woman's uterus to increase the likelihood of conception. Feeling anxious and excited after undergoing the IUI treatment is normal, and it's important to know what to expect after the procedure.
Knowing when to take a pregnancy test and understanding the changes in your body after IUI can help you determine if the treatment was successful and if you're pregnant. This knowledge can also help you make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle or medical care to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
So if you're considering IUI or have recently undergone the procedure, read on to learn more about pregnancy testing and what to expect.
Understand the time of your trigger shot
If you're going through IUI or IVF, chances are that you'll be given a "trigger shot" of hCG a few days before the procedure. This shot usually contains around 10,000 units of hCG. It is meant to prime your body for pregnancy, potentially increasing the chances of success. It's important to remember, however, that hCG is the hormone that causes a pregnancy test to appear positive.
If you take a pregnancy test too early after your trigger shot, you might get a false positive because the test could detect hCG from the injection rather than naturally produced hCG from a pregnancy. Your body typically eliminates 1,000 units of hCG daily, so it's best to wait at least 14 days after the trigger shot before taking a home pregnancy test. This way, if you get a positive result, it's more likely to be registering hCG produced by an actual pregnancy.
Getting a blood test
It's important to talk with your doctor about when blood tests are available to check for a positive pregnancy before starting any treatment. Blood tests are more accurate than home pregnancy tests. They can detect a positive result as soon as 11 days after conception, which means you may be able to have a blood test done earlier than a home test.
Home pregnancy tests can sometimes show false negatives, so it's crucial to consider getting a blood test. If you rely on home tests and receive a negative result 14 days post-treatment, take another test in a week. It's worth noting that hCG levels double every three days, so waiting a week can make a significant difference in the accuracy of the test. If you continue to test negative three weeks after treatment, it's essential to schedule an appointment with your fertility specialist to determine the next steps.
Factors affecting the timing of a pregnancy test
Some factors can affect the timing of a pregnancy test after IUI treatment:
- Timing of IUI: The timing of IUI can also affect when you should take a pregnancy test. If the procedure is done during ovulation, taking a pregnancy test as early as 10-12 days after the procedure may be possible. However, if the IUI is done after ovulation or with the help of fertility medications, it's best to wait at least 14 days before taking a pregnancy test.
- Multiple pregnancies: Women who undergo IUI have a slightly higher chance of having multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets. This can also affect the timing of a pregnancy test, as the hCG levels may be higher in multiple pregnancies, causing a positive result to appear earlier.
Understanding the 14-Day Wait Period for IUI Pregnancy Test
To comprehend why the pregnancy test is taken after 14 days of IUI, it is essential to understand what happens after the IUI procedure.
First Phase (Day 1-2) – Ovulation and Sperm Injection
During IUI, the washed sperm is directly injected into the uterus during ovulation or after administering egg-release medication to increase the treatment's success rate.
Second Phase (Days 3-10) – Egg Fertilization
After fertilization of the egg by the sperm, the fertilized egg travels to the uterus through one of the fallopian tubes, which takes around 6-12 days.
Third Phase (Days 10-14) – The Rise in hCG Levels
After the implantation of the fertilized egg, the mother's body starts producing hCG to sustain a pregnancy.
Fourth Phase (Days 15-28) – Fertilization Day / Testing Day
On the 15th day, the fertilized egg becomes impenetrable. This is the right time for women to take a pregnancy test, as hCG levels are detectable after 12-14 days of the procedure.
Early symptoms of pregnancy
After IUI, women can experience several early pregnancy symptoms. However, these symptoms are similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, so it can be challenging to differentiate between the two. Here are some common early pregnancy symptoms after IUI:
- Spotting or light bleeding
- Cramping
- Fatigue
- Breast tenderness or soreness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Increased basal body temperature
It's important to note that some women may not experience any symptoms during early pregnancy. Additionally, some of these symptoms may also be side effects of fertility medications taken during IUI. Therefore, it's always best to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you experience after IUI to rule out potential complications.
Contact Prime IVF Centre for Expert Guidance
If you have any questions or concerns about when to take a pregnancy test after IUI, or any other aspects of the IUI procedure, it's best to reach out to a trusted fertility clinic like Prime IVF Centre. Their experienced and knowledgeable staff can provide expert guidance on timing your pregnancy test and offer support throughout your fertility journey.
Contacting Prime IVF Centre can provide peace of mind and help ensure you receive the highest quality of care throughout your fertility treatment. Their compassionate team is dedicated to helping patients succeed in their fertility journey and is available to answer any questions you may have.
