Oil, Water, and Infertility: Which Contrast Fluid Is Better for Hysterosalpingography?

In a large randomized trial, oil-based fluid resulted in more post-HSG pregnancies.

Although hysterosalpingography (HSG) is commonly used in the diagnostic setting to assess tubal patency in infertile women, some studies have suggested that this procedure can enhance fertility, especially when oil-based as opposed to water-based contrast fluid is used. To evaluate post-HSG pregnancy rates using either form of fluid, Dutch investigators randomized 1119 infertile women to oil- or water-based HSG. Women were then followed for 6 months. Couples with predicted likelihood of >30% for pregnancy within 12 months received expectant management; others were offered intrauterine sperm insemination with or without mild ovarian stimulation. Overall, in vitro fertilization was recommended for about 1.5% of couples.

Among women receiving o…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Oil, Water, and Infertility: Which Contrast Fluid Is Better for Hysterosalpingography?

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Reviewing Author