[Intravaginal culture--simplification of IVF].

Initial results with intravaginal cultures (IVC) of human oocytes are reported. Up to 5 oocytes are harvested by follicular puncture guided by transvaginal sonography. Together with washed spermatocytes (final concentration 0.1 to 0.15 x 10(6)/tube) these are transferred to a plastic capsule filled with Menezzo B2 medium. After air-tight closure the capsule is placed into the patient's vagina and left in situ for 48 to 52 hours. Capsule loss is prevented by plugging the vagina with a tampon of appropriate size. In the first 15 females undergoing IVC fertilization was obtained in 56% of cases. Three intact pregnancies were recorded after embryo transfer. Of these, 2 occurred in the group of patients with tubal infertility and one in the group with tubal infertility and an additional andrologic abnormality. Our results and the reports by others suggest that IVC may well facilitate the technique of IVF. Potentially detrimental effects of light exposure and temperature variations on the gametes during conventional IVF are minimized. The more active involvement of the patients is an added psychological benefit.