IUI pain?

[hoosiermama76]

Hi, all!

I had my first IUI today and had the impression it would be about a uncomfortable as a Pap smear. Wow! I was wrong: pinching, burning, stinging, and cramping since. Also, the nurse doing it had to be walked through it by the lead nurse. Is this usually done by a nurse, and does it hurt?

[emilie]

Grad here - I had 8 IUI procedures. I was really crampy after a couple of them, especially the first one. The REs did them at my practice, but one of the doctors was really good at it, while another one would sometimes have a hard time getting the catheter through and would end up poking me in the cervix a bunch.

[ceejay]

I've had three IUIs, and I always had a lot of cramping during and after. Mine were always done by nurses at my RE office, and they usually had a difficult time getting the catheter through my cervix, which I think is why they hurt so much. They often would need to use an ultrasound to help guide it in.

[hoosiermama76]

Thanks ceejay and emilie for sharing!

[hoosiermama76]

****** Sounded like I got a bum nurse. Well, I just hope it worked.

[akraus2015]

***lurking***

Mine were both completely painless, but it sounds like the cramping can be normal if they had a little trouble. My advice is don't be scared to call if you feel like something's off...that's what they are there for.

[cjchio]

I had cramping after my first iui because they couldn't find the right spot. My ute is a tilted jerk.

I did have cramping after, but for my second they knew where they were going, so it was quick and much better.

If you're worried, or it's really painful, I would give them a call and see what they say.

Eta: I did have cramping during both procedures as well, not only after the first one.

[teachermomtobe]

Grad warning:

I had 4 IUIs with varying amounts of discomfort and all were more uncomfortable than a pap. One was particularly bad and it does seem to be related to the skill of the nurse. I had an empty bladder for all of them. When I did my 2 IVF/FET transfers (same procedure basically) they were smooth, easy, and painless. For those I had a full bladder and took a Valium to relax uterine muscles. I'd talk with your doctor if you need to do another IUI about the full bladder and/or Valium.

ETA: IVF/FET were also done under ultrasound guidance which helped see any curves in my anatomy.

[hoosiermama76]

Good ideas. If this IUI doesn't work, we start the IVF cycle in April. So, from what I understand the retrieval involves general anesthesia and FET is just done in the office with a Valium.

[hoosiermama76]

True?

[teachermomtobe]

Mar 4, 2017 14:50:04 GMT -5 hoosiermama76 said:

Good ideas. If this IUI doesn't work, we start the IVF cycle in April. So, from what I understand the retrieval involves general anesthesia and FET is just done in the office with a Valium.

Retrieval is usually sedation and not general anesthesia like when having surgery. It's a light sedation that you wake up from pretty quickly after the procedure. And yes, transfer is a simple procedure in the office with valium.

[ldubhawksfan]

I had b2b IUIs, both done by my RE. The first pinched a little, but not worse than a pap and the second was painless.

Fx for you!

[joy]

I had three IUIs and they were all done by residents. I remember my uterus cramping when the sperm were injected, but it passed quickly. I also remember some IUIs being more painful than others - I chalked it up to my body feeling different on different days.

Good luck!!

[queenofcats]

Mine hurt like a bitch and I bled a lot too. But my cervix is a bitch so it's not surprising. I also had cramping too.

Good luck to you!

[kensie5226]

I had no pain, but a little bit of irritation in my cervix.

[hannah1234]

I would suggest that you visit a RE. It is the RE's duty to perform the process. I hope things go well for you. I think since it is your first time you might be going through all the symptoms. However, if you think the pain is a little too intense visit a good doctor. Get yourself checked. Tell them everything and I am sure they will be able to help you out. Good luck to you. Stay positive and strong. Dont do any work that would cause exertion. Sending baby dust your way. Always visit a clinic that has a high success rate. This is something that really matters. I am saying this from my own experience. Do keep us updated.

[jennifer123]

I think it is important that for such procedures you visit a good doctor. The reason for that is that it should be the doctor or a highly experienced nurse that performs IUI. I am saying so because otherwise, they might do something wrong as well. We often time make the decision in a hurry. However, for treatments like these for whom we are paying so much money, it is important to research. Look at the clinics status. That means if they are operating at a high success rate or not. Also, look at the doctors and their years of experience. Good luck to you. I hope things work out for you. Just relax! Dont stress a lot that is not good for you. Sending baby dust your way.