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 NF; who, an 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 ill 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 rare was achieved with routine bladder distension before ET: probably attributable to the smooth and easy insertion of the ET catheter.