Authors: N. Prapas¹; Y. Prapas¹; Y. Panagiotidis²; S. Prapa²; P. Vanderzwalmen²; G. Makedos¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 19, Number 8, August 2004 , pp. 1791-1795(5)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The difficulty of embryo transfer has been reported to affect success rates in some centres, but not in others. Cervical dilatation has been proposed as a means to overcome difficult embryo transfer, but consistent criteria for patient selection are lacking. In a prospective randomized study, we examined the influence of cervical dilatation 1–3 months before embryo transfer on the outcome of IVF in cases having difficult embryo transfer in two previously failed IVF cycles. METHODS: Two alternative methods of embryo transfer preparation were evaluated in 283 randomly assigned women having difficult embryo transfers in two previously failed IVF attempts. Randomization was made using a computer-generated random number table. Cervical dilatation before starting any IVF treatment was used in 145 cases, and no dilatation was performed in 138 cases. RESULTS: The cervical dilatation group yielded a significantly higher pregnancy rate than the non-dilated group (40% versus 24%; P<0.01). Likewise, the implantation rate (24.1% versus 14.9%; P<0.01) and the live birth rate (34.48% versus 19.56%; P<0.01) were significantly higher in the dilatation group than in the non-dilated group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with prior difficult embryo transfer, cervical dilatation 1–3 months before embryo transfer lead to an improved pregnancy rate.

Keywords: cervical dilatation; cervical stenosis; embryo transfer; IVF; transfer catheter

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh320

Affiliations: 1: Fourth Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 2: Iakentro Fertility Center, Thessaloniki, Greece and

Publication date: 2004-08-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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