Velocity of endometrial wavelike activity in spontaneous cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the velocity and wave intervals of endometrial wavelike activity in spontaneous menstrual cycles.


METHODS
Prospective observational ultrasound (US) evaluation of endometrial wavelike activity.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Endometrial wavelike activity, wave velocity, wave intervals.


METHODS
Twenty-three menstrual cycles were evaluated by frequent US investigations in 16 healthy, regularly cycling female volunteers.


METHODS
Transvaginal US examination of endometrial wavelike activity.


RESULTS
Nineteen cycles proved to be ovulatory. Wave velocity and wave intervals were calculated in waves from fundus to cervix and in waves from cervix to fundus. The velocity of waves from fundus to cervix increased from the midfollicular phase to the late follicular phase. Waves from cervix to fundus showed their highest velocity in the periovulatory period.


CONCLUSIONS
Velocity of endometrial wavelike activity reached a peak in the periovulatory phase, whereas the wave intervals were shortest in that phase.
IJland
M M
MM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Evers
J L
JL
Hoogland
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D014463:Ultrasonography