Mock embryo transfer does not affect uterine contractility.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the degree of utero-stimulation induced by transcervical introduction of a catheter as in mock ET.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Reproductive medicine unit.


METHODS
Eighty volunteers undergoing mild ovarian stimulation and IUI.


METHODS
Just before IUI, women had uterine contraction (UC) frequency assessed with 2-minute sagittal ultrasound scans of the uterus (precatheter measurement). Thereafter, one of three types of catheters, each with a different stiffness level (low, n = 25; medium, n = 30; or high, n = 25) was introduced into the cervix up to the inner cervical os, then immediately withdrawn, and the UC frequency reassessed (postcatheter measurement).


METHODS
Percentage change in UC frequency.


RESULTS
Median (range) UC frequency was not significantly different at pre- and postcatheter measurements: 2.0 (0.0-4.5) UC per minute and 2.2 (0.0-5.5) UC per minute. In addition, the stiffness of the catheter (low, medium, or high) did not influence the UC frequency, with median (range) percentage of change from pre- to postcatheter measurement at 0 (-100% to +75%), 0 (-100% to +100%), and 0 (-40% to +100%), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of a catheter up to the inner cervical os, as usually performed in mock ET, does not stimulate uterine contraction frequency, irrespective of catheter stiffness.
Torre
Antoine
A
Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Paris, France.
Scheffer
Juliano Brum
JB
Schönauer
Luca Maria
LM
Frydman
Nelly
N
Fanchin
Renato
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult