Fertilization and early embryology: Incidence of microbial growth from the tip of the embryo transfer catheter after embryo transfer in relation to clinical pregnancy rate following in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

A total of 110 consecutive women was studied prospectively atthe time of transcervical embryo transfer followmg conventionalin-vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injectionprocedures. Microbiological cultures were performed on endocervicalswabs and embryo transfer catheter tips. Positive microbialgrowths were observed from endocervical swabs in 78 (70.9%)women and from catheter tips in 54 (49.1%) women. The clinicalpregnancy rates were 57.1% in the group of patients withoutgrowth and 29.6% in the group with positive microbial growthfrom catheter tips. As microbial contamination at embryo transfermay influence implantation rates, prospective studies are justifiedto determine whether eradication of endocervical micro-organismsis possible and whether their eradication will improve implantationrates.