Endometrial wavelike movements during the menstrual cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To qualify and quantify endometrial waves in regularly cycling women.


METHODS
A prospective transvaginal ultrasound study was performed throughout 23 cycles of 16 healthy women. Wave type and wave frequency were evaluated.


METHODS
Normal human volunteers in an academic research environment.


METHODS
Sixteen healthy regularly cycling women.


RESULTS
Of 23 cycles, 19 proved to be ovulatory. Five types of endometrial waves could be distinguished. Waves from cervix to fundus and opposing waves were seen predominantly periovulatorily. Waves from fundus to cervix were absent in the postovulatory phase. Endometrial wavelike activity was most pronounced in the periovulatory phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Standardized qualification and quantification of endometrial waves, as described in this study, might shed new light on the underlying mechanisms in selected cases of hitherto unexplained subfertility.
Ijland
M M
MM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Evers
J L
JL
Dunselman
G A
GA
van Katwijk
C
C
Lo
C R
CR
Hoogland
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D014463:Ultrasonography