Ultrasonographic assessment of endocervix and cervical mucus in ovulatory menstrual cycles

Echography of the cervix and uterus during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle in bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata)

We undertook the present study to investigate the echographic characteristics of the uterus and cervix of female bonnet monkeys ( Macaca radiata ) during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. The cervix was tortuous in shape and measured 2.74 ± 0.30 cm (mean ± SD) in width by 3.10 ± 0.32 cm in length. The cervical lumen contained 2 or 3 colliculi, which projected from the cervical canal. The echogenicity of cervix varied during proliferative and secretory phases. The uterus was pyriform in shape (2.46 ± 0.28 cm × 1.45 ± 0.19 cm) and consisted of serosa, myometrium, and endometrium. The endometrium generated a triple-line pattern; the outer and central lines were hyperechogenic, whereas the inner line was hypoechogenic. The endometrium was significantly thicker during the secretory phase (0.69 ± 0.12 cm) than during the proliferative phase (0.43 ± 0.15 cm). Knowledge of the echogenic changes in the female reproductive organs of bonnet monkeys during a regular menstrual cycle may facilitate understanding of other physiologic and pathophysiologic changes.

Implantation Rates after Two, Three, or Five Days of Embryo Culture

Extended embryo culture together with amelioration of embryo selection methods and embryo culture conditions have allowed a substantial increase on both pregnancy and implantation rates. However, uterine embryo transfers are still performed after 2 to 6 days of egg retrieval. In this paper, we show the results of two studies, one prospective study comparing IVF outcome of day 2 and day 3 embryo transfers, and a retrospective study looking at blastocyst transfers versus day 3 embryo transfers in our egg donation program. Also, we test the predictive value of the presence of three or more seven cell-stage embryos on day 3 of development on blastocyst formation and pregnancy rates. No significant differences were found between day 2 and day 3 embryo transfers in terms of pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and implantation rates, as well as in multiple and in high order pregnancy. In general, day 6 embryo transfers resulted in significantly higher ongoing pregnancy and implantation rates compared with day 3 embryo transfers (41.1 per cent and 23.6 per cent versus 50.1 per cent and 38.1 per cent, respectively). No differences were found in terms of multiple gestations despite transferring significantly more embryos on day 3 compared with day 6 transfers. When less than three 7-cell embryos were present in the embryo cohort, day 6 embryo transfers did not improve the rates of ongoing pregnancy with regards to day 3 embryo transfer, although significant high implantation rates were obtained on the group of blastocyst transfer. The presence of three or more 7 cell-stage embryos improved significantly both ongoing pregnancy and rates on blastocyst transfers compared to day 3 embryo transfers (65.6 per cent versus 50.6 per cent and 37.4 per cent vs 24.7 per cent, respectively). In conclusion, at least in egg donation, day 3 embryo transfers do not improve either pregnancy or implantation rates when compared to day 2 transfers. Generally speaking blastocyst transfers give significantly higher chance of pregnancy and implantation rates per cycle and per transfer than early cleavage stage transfers. However, the absence of a good embryo cohort, that is having less than three 7 cell-stage embryos on day 3, blastocyst transfers will improve implantation rates but not ongoing pregnancy rates.