How should I prepare for IUI day?
Our IUI is tomorrow after an hCG trigger. Do I need to fast? Can I go to work after? How long should we abstain before the semen sample?
Short answer: Usually no fasting is needed for a standard IUI. Most people return to desk work the same day. Semen collection is often after 2 to 5 days of abstinence; follow your lab's exact instructions.
Answer #1
Practical checklist
Take the trigger exactly when instructed. Arrive with a moderately full bladder if ultrasound guidance is used. Wear comfortable clothes. After IUI, a short clinic rest is common; prolonged bed rest at home is usually unnecessary. Resume light activity unless told otherwise.
Dr. Sneha Patel, DNB Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Infertility Specialist. Answered 2026-08-11
Answer #2
Semen sample tips
Abstinence of about 2 to 5 days balances count and motility for most men. Avoid unapproved lubricants. If home collection is allowed, keep the sample near body temperature and deliver it within the lab's time limit, often under 30 to 60 minutes.
Dr. Karan Malhotra, MS Urology, Andrology. Answered 2026-08-11
Call your clinic or go to the hospital the same day if you have
- Fever on IUI day
- Severe allergy symptoms after trigger
- Inability to produce a semen sample on the day
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Answers are general education for patients in India, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Best IVF Centers is a fertility matching service, not a clinic or hospital. Always follow your treating doctor's instructions. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.