title: The cytology of vaginal, cervical and endometrial smears obtained at the time of embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization.
abstract: Seventy-four women enrolled in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program had cytologic smears of the vagina, cervix and endometrium obtained at the time of embryo transfer (ET). Of these, 68 vaginal, 46 cervical and 25 endometrial smears were available for cytologic examination. Of the 68 vaginal smears, 4% showed a proliferative pattern, 40% were early secretory and 56% were advanced secretory. The 46 cervical smears demonstrated a delayed hormonal effect, with 70% showing a proliferative pattern, 23% early secretory and 7% advanced secretory cytology. Endometrial cells were obtained only when the Jones catheter, which has a side opening, was used. Twenty-two patients had both vaginal smears and suitable endometrial smears. Of these, 8 of the 9 patients with early secretory vaginal cytology had secretory endometrium while 10 of the 12 patients with mid-secretory vaginal cytology had secretory endometrium. The value of endometrial cytology in predicting conception following IVF-ET is unknown. It seems, however, that a good correlation exists between endometrial and vaginal cytology and that the latter may be of value as an additional, noninvasive tool for the evaluation of endometrial development.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D002455:Cell Division; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D014621:Vagina / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014626:Vaginal Smears
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D008596:Menotropins