Lipiodol bathing to help embryos implant

Neil Johnson

Implantation is the final and most crucial step in the long and complicated process of conception.  There are currently no treatments available to help embryos implant in the womb.  For women with mild endometriosis or those undergoing IVF, assistance with implantation could make all the difference in becoming pregnant.

Lipiodol has already been shown to have fertility enhancing properties for women with unexplained infertility – flushing the fallopian tubes with Lipiodol improved their chance of pregnancy and live birth 2 – 5 -fold.  It is thought that Lipiodol improves the environment within the womb, helping to prepare it for implantation.  Clinical trials led by Dr Neil Johnson are now underway to determine whether simply bathing the uterus with lipiodol will help women with endometriosis or those undergoing fertility treatments to become pregnant.  Lipiodol bathing is already a simple, low cost, low risk alternative to established fertility treatments – but the possible implantation enhancing effect, if proven, could be a major advance.

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