Exploration of a new procedure for sterilization by intrauterine instillation of a methylcellulose gel

Background

Our goal was to evaluate a new gel and procedure for non-surgical sterilization.

Study Design

We injected a methylcellulose-based gel containing a radiographic contrast agent into the uteri of 15 women, varying the gel viscosity, volume injected, injection speed and continuity and duration of cervical blockage. We monitored gel distribution with fluoroscopy and spot imaging, and subjects' condition by interview and examination.

Results

The gel and procedure were safe and acceptable. The low-viscosity gel reached at least the ampullae of all tubes, but retention in the isthmuses was shorter than 5 min in more than 25% of tubes studied. The high-viscosity gel did not consistently pass into and through the fallopian tubes.

Conclusions

This study did not identify a gel and insertion procedure that would reliably provide exposure of both fallopian tubes to a sclerosing agent for more than a brief period of time.