Comparison of fallopian tube sperm perfusion with intrauterine insemination in the treatment of infertility.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of fallopian tube sperm perfusion utilizing a Foley catheter technique with standard IUI.


METHODS
Randomized controlled study.


METHODS
The infertility units of the University Central Hospital and the Family Federation of Finland, Oulu, Finland.


METHODS
One hundred infertile women with unexplained factor, minimal to mild endometriosis, mild male factor, or ovarian dysfunction, undergoing 50 IUI and 50 fallopian tube sperm perfusion cycles stimulated by clomiphene citrate and hMG.


METHODS
Thirty-six hours after hCG administration, patients were randomized to either the IUI group (group 1, 50 patients and cycles) or the fallopian tube sperm perfusion group (group 2, 50 patients and cycles). Intrauterine insemination was performed using a standard method and fallopian tube sperm perfusion with a pediatric Foley catheter, which prevents the reflux of sperm suspension.


METHODS
Number of clinical pregnancies.


RESULTS
The fallopian tube sperm perfusion method using a Foley catheter technique was easy to perform and convenient for the patients. The overall pregnancy rate per cycle was 8% for fallopian tube sperm perfusion and 20% for IUI, a difference that was not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The fallopian tube sperm perfusion method using a Foley catheter offers no advantage in comparison with the conventional IUI technique.
Nuojua-Huttunen
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Finland.
Tuomivaara
L
L
Juntunen
K
K
Tomás
C
C
Martikainen
H
H
D000328:Adult; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005187:Fallopian Tubes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000628:therapy*; D007317:Insemination, Artificial, Homologous / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010477:Perfusion; D011247:Pregnancy
D002996:Clomiphene; D008596:Menotropins