Transvaginal intratubal insemination by tactile sensation: a preliminary report

Transvaginal catheterization of the fallopian tube has gained increased popularity for transfer of embryos and gametes. Forty-five ITIs were performed on 32 patients using the novel approach of tubal transfer via tactile sensation. This group of patients had undergone an average of 5.2 IUIs before ITI. There were a total of 11 pregnancies, 6 occurring with hMG stimulation and 5 with CC-stimulated cycles (34% PR per patient). Three pregnancies ended with spontaneous abortion, and one patient developed acute salpingitis necessitating laparotomy. These data suggest ITI may be effective in assisted reproduction but, as other invasive procedures, is not without risk.