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A Review of the Use of Lipiodol Flushing for Unexplained Infertility

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Treatments in Endocrinology

Abstract

There has been speculation for decades regarding the role of flushing women’s fallopian tubes in improving the chance of pregnancy. More recent evidence has highlighted a possible specific role for lipiodol (ethiodized oil), an oil-soluble contrast medium, in the enhancement of fertility by these means. This systematic review was designed to assess the effectiveness of tubal flushing with various contrast media in improving the chance of pregnancy. The review was performed using Cochrane guidelines, including only data from randomized controlled trials. Results confirm the effectiveness of flushing with lipiodol in improving the chance of pregnancy and live birth. Although there was limited evidence to suggest a possible benefit of oil- over water-soluble contrast media, the answer to this question remains unclear. The specific groups who appear to benefit most from lipiodol flushing are couples with unexplained infertility, but particularly couples where the woman has endometriosis in the context of normal patent fallopian tubes. As a simple, low-cost, minimally invasive intervention that carries a low risk of complications and no increased risk of multiple pregnancy, lipiodol flushing may prove an appealing alternative to established fertility treatments for many couples.

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Acknowledgments

This review and figures 1–4 are based on a Cochrane Review published in the Cochrane Library[14] (copyright Cochrane Library, reproduced with permission). The following people from the Cochrane MDSG have had an important role in the original Cochrane review and subsequent updates: Patrick Vandekerckhove, Andrew Watson, Richard Lilford, Tasuku Harada, Ed Hughes, Andy Vail, Cindy Farquhar, Michelle Proctor, Ruth Withers, and Sue Hall. I am also grateful for inspiration from the insights of my colleagues Wendy Hadden, radiologist, and Larry Chamley, reproductive biologist.

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. The author has no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, National Women’s Health at Auckland Hospital, Fertility Plus and Auckland Gynaecology Group, Auckland, New Zealand

    Neil P. Johnson

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  1. Neil P. Johnson
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Correspondence to Neil P. Johnson.

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Johnson, N.P. A Review of the Use of Lipiodol Flushing for Unexplained Infertility. Mol Diag Ther 4, 233–243 (2005). https://doi.org/10.2165/00024677-200504040-00004

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00024677-200504040-00004

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