IVF remains an invasive fertility treatment, but researchers at VU University Medical Center (VUmc) are investigating gentler options like flushing fallopian tubes with poppy seed oil.
In a study of 1,100 women facing conception challenges, tubes were flushed to remove dead cells and clots. Half received a water flush; the other half, poppy seed oil.
Six months later, 40% of the oil group were pregnant, versus 29% in the water group. The oil likely aids better egg implantation.
Notably, a participating gynecologist's mother conceived in 1960 after the same poppy seed oil procedure.
