Why Does Lower Abdominal Pain Occur After Intrauterine Insemination

Lower abdominal pain after intrauterine insemination (IUI) can occur for various reasons depending on the timing of the discomfort. If the pain appears on the day of or the day after IUI, it may be related to ovulation. Some women experience mild pain during ovulation due to the release of the egg from the follicle, a condition commonly known as mittelschmerz or ovulation pain.

During the IUI procedure, a thin catheter is used to deliver washed and prepared sperm directly into the uterus. The volume injected is usually between 0.3–0.5 mL, which is small but may still cause minor side effects in some individuals. This process can sometimes irritate the cervix, leading to mild cramping or a sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen. These symptoms are typically short-lived and not a cause for concern.

In addition, since fertilization has not yet occurred at the time of insemination, there is no embryo present to be affected by mild uterine contractions. However, around 8–10 days after IUI, some patients may begin to feel mild cramping similar to menstrual discomfort. This could indicate that implantation is taking place, as the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. Mild cramps during this window are considered normal and do not suggest complications.

However, if severe abdominal pain is experienced along with high fever following IUI, it may signal an infection such as acute pelvic inflammatory disease, which requires immediate medical attention. In such cases, prompt evaluation at an emergency facility is strongly advised.