10 Foods to Avoid After IUI Treatment to Increase Chances of Conception

Nowadays, infertility is on the rise because of numerous causes, such as medication, pollution, diet, unhealthy lifestyle, etc. But with the help of modern ART technology such as IVF and IUI, nearly 50 million infertile couples can conceive. Out of these ART technologies, IUI increases the chances of fertilisation and conception in couples.

Just like the IUI technique, lifestyle and dietary factors are important for IUI success. However, diet has a complex impact on reproductive health, hormone balance, and general well-being. Therefore, understanding how IUI and diet are related is crucial. In this blog, we will guide you on the top 10 foods to avoid after IUI treatment to increase the chances of conception.

What is IUI Treatment and What is its Success Rate?

IUI is a minimally invasive procedure in which a healthy & motile sperm is directly injected into a woman's uterus. Couples with endometriosis, ovulation issues, low sperm count, poor sperm morphology, cervix abnormalities and semen allergies can opt for this treatment to increase their chances of pregnancy.

However, certain other factors affect IUI success. It includes the age of the mother, the motility of the sperm and eggs, and the lifestyle of the parents. According to research done by New Hope Fertility, those under 35 typically have a 13–15% chance of becoming pregnant using IUI, whereas those over 40 have a 3–9% chance. As a result, IUI necessitates a lot of care throughout treatment.

10 Major Foods To Avoid After IUI Treatment

Food is the building blocks of our life and eating the right food at the right time could promote your overall health. Here are the 10 major foods that must be avoided after undergoing IUI treatment.

#Food 1: Drinks with High Caffeine

Caffeine, which is frequently found in coffee and tea, can negatively impact fertility if they are used in excess. Caffeine overuse can interfere with the complex processes of reproduction and interfere with hormone production. For those receiving IUI treatment in India, this disturbance may have a detrimental effect on their chances of becoming pregnant.

Recommendation: Choosing herbal teas without caffeine, such as ginger or chamomile, is a better option. People can improve their chances of a successful IUI procedure and boost their reproductive health by lowering caffeine intake and implementing this easy dietary change.

#Food 2: Processed Foods

Fertility is seriously threatened by processed foods, which are infamous for having high levels of sugar, salt, and harmful fats. The delicate hormonal balance required for reproduction is disturbed by these foods, which also cause insulin resistance and inflammation.

Recommendation: Choosing fresh & unprocessed meals such as fruits, vegetables, lentils, and whole grains is a scientifically solid way to avoid these dangers. These nutrient-dense options improve reproductive prospects by lowering inflammation and promoting hormonal balance.

#Food 3: Trans Fatty Acids

Fertility is seriously threatened by trans fats, which are found in many fried and fast foods. These fats are well known for causing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which can seriously impair reproductive health. It's important to know that these negative consequences can disturb the balance required for conception during a fertility journey.

Recommendation: You can avoid the negative effects of trans fats by using traditional Indian spices and cooking methods. Using these techniques improves your general health in addition to protecting your fertility. It's a little but essential step in establishing a supportive environment for your desire to procreate.

#Food 4: Fish with High Mercury

Pregnant women must avoid dishes with elevated mercury concentrations, as mercury poses a serious risk to the developing foetus. Excessive mercury exposure may damage the foetus's vulnerable developmental phases, resulting in several developmental problems.

Recommendation: It's wise to choose low-mercury fish types, which are widely available and plentiful in India. Sardines, mackerel, and salmon are all great options. Interestingly, they are abundant in vital omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for boosting fertility.

#Food 5: Too Much Spice in Food

Although Indian food is known for its strong, colourful flavours, it's important to consume spices in moderation while trying to conceive. Extremely spicy foods should be avoided after IUI since they may irritate the digestive tract, resulting in discomfort and digestive problems that could impair general health.

Recommendations: Make the deliberate decision to choose milder versions of your favourite Indian foods to improve your digestive health and prepare your body for the demands of fertility therapy. With this easy dietary change, you can savour the delicious flavours of Indian food without the danger of experiencing gastrointestinal distress.

#Food 6: Uncooked Seafood

Eating raw or undercooked seafood increases the chance of contracting foodborne infections, which is especially dangerous during pregnancy and IUI treatment. Salmonella, listeria, and toxoplasma are among the dangerous bacteria and parasites that can be found in raw seafood. These can cause serious health problems, such as miscarriage or problems with the foetus's growth.

Recommendation: It is highly recommended that you completely avoid foods that include raw seafood while undergoing IUI therapy to protect your health and the potential life developing inside of you. Choose seafood that has been cooked through, heated to a safe internal temperature and is rid of any possible germs.

#Food 7: Soy-Based Food Products

Phytoestrogens are substances found in soy products, which are frequently used in different Indian recipes. These substances can imitate oestrogen in the body, which may cause hormonal imbalances.

Recommendation: To minimise any possible disruption to the delicate hormonal environment, it is recommended to consume soy-based meals in moderation during the IUI treatment phase. Choose a well-rounded dietary strategy that includes several sources of protein instead. You can improve your chances of a successful IUI outcome and preserve hormonal balance by lowering your intake of soy and making these educated dietary decisions.

#Food 8: Sweet Delights

Consuming too much sugar might lower insulin levels, which may affect fertility. Consider using healthier substitutes for refined sugars, like dates, honey, or jaggery, which are frequently used in Indian cooking, to promote your reproductive health.

Recommendation: You can increase your chances of success during and after IUI therapy by implementing this dietary change and cutting back on sweet treats. Without using fancy medical techniques, maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for general health and can help your reproductive quest.

#Food 9: Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates can affect your fertility and lower your chances of IUI implantation. Refined carbohydrates are found in white rice, pasta, bread, tortillas, and items made with white flour.

Recommendations: Thus, it's advised to cut back on processed carbohydrates and swap them out for nutritious ones like quinoa, barley, oats, etc.

#Food 10: Junk Food or Fast Food

Junk food should not be consumed before or after IUI since it can result in high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and asthmatic symptoms in the unborn child. Nuts, dried fruits, sugar-free drinks, and homemade smoothies can all be used in place of junk food.

Recommendation: The majority of fertility professionals advise against eating fast food after IUI because it contains trans fats and a lot of sodium, even though one or two slices of pizza wouldn't be harmful to the unborn child.

Conclusion

Dietary decisions have a significant influence on your journey towards parenthood. Your chances of IUI success are increased by eating a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

You can connect with the best doctors at Crysta IVF for individualised dietary advice that is tailored to your particular situation. Every fertility journey is different, but you can make your desire to have children a reality by making educated decisions. 🙂