Endometrial Dating Method Detects Individual Maturation Sequences During the Secretory Phase

This study assessed whether a new immunohistochemical dating method allows precise endometrial dating allowing optimal timing for embryo transfer.

A novel method was used for endometrial dating, with parameters including menstrual cycle days, Noyes histological criteria, along with immunohistochemical expression pattern of estrogen and progesterone receptors and proliferation marker Ki-67. Endometrial maturation was analyzed on days +5 to +10 after ovulation or progesterone administration in 217 biopsies from 151 subfertile patients during the secretory phase.

Endometrial maturation varied individually, occurring 1.68±1.67 days late. Comparison of histological maturation with clinical days after ovulation showed a delay of about 2 days.

Endometrial maturation requires 8 days, rather than the expected 6 days, to reach the histological mid-secretory phase. This is not a delay and is also seen in fertile patients. The new analysis method used is superior to that using Noyes criteria alone and provides a better basis for determining conditions for optimal timing of embryo transfers.