[Initial pregnancies after intravaginal transport and partial zona dissection of human ova]

We report on 72 couples with previous failure of fertilisation during several trials of conventional in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). In the present study part of the aspirated oocytes was subjected to partial zona dissection (PZD) before insemination, thereby achieving 7 pregnancies during 104 cycles. Normal in-vitro insemination of the remaining zona-intact oocytes was again unsuccessful. Since microinsemination techniques, in contrast to conventional IVF, are not yet being offered by many clinics, we developed the following new concept: hormonal stimulation, sonographic control of follicular growth, aspiration of oocytes, and sperm preparation were performed at the usual place (Munich) whereas PZD and control IVF were accomplished in another laboratory (Ulm). In order to transport the gametes between these two institutes, we modified the previously reported intravaginal culture (IVC) of inseminated oocytes by transferring oocytes and spermatozoa into separate plastic capsules. In our view, this procedure offers a suitable opportunity for infertile couples living too far away from a microinsemination centre to afford long daily journeys or even several overnight stays for superovulation treatment. The fertilisation and pregnancy rates in our study are comparable to those reported in the literature.