Effect of powdered gloves, worn at the time of embryo transfer, on the pregnancy outcome of IVF cycles

Abstract

Purpose To assess the effect of wearing powdered gloves during embryo transfer as compared to un-powdered gloves on the pregnancy outcome of IVF cycles. Methods Patients, undergoing embryo transfer procedures, were prospectively randomized into two groups: In the first (group A, n=356) group embryo transfer was performed while wearing powdered gloves; in the second (group B, n=356) group embryo transfer was performed while wearing un-powdered gloves. The primary end point of the study was the clinical pregnancy rate. Results The two groups were comparable with respect to the mean age, mean number of grade one embryos obtained, and the mean number of embryos transferred. The clinical pregnancy rates of the two groups were not different. Conclusions Powdered gloves, worn during embryo transfer, have no adverse effect on the pregnancy outcome of IVF cycles.