The role of uterine straightening by passive bladder distension before embryo transfer in IVF cycles

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effect of bladder distension on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) results. METHODS: The study comprised 796 patients after successful transvaginal oocyte pickup and IVF, who, on the basis of bladder filling for ET, were divided into two groups. In group E, 385 patients underwent ET with an empty bladder, and in group F, 411 patients underwent ET with a full bladder. RESULTS: Sixty-four pregnancies were achieved in group E (16.6%), compared to 110 pregnancies in group F (26.8%, P = 0.006). A similar pregnancy loss rate was observed in both groups, 13 in group E (20.3%) and 29 in group F (26.4%; P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: A significantly higher pregnancy rate was achieved with routine bladder distension before ET, probably attributable to the smooth and easy insertion of the ET catheter.