Peritoneal fluid evaluation in infertility

Cul-de-sac fluid collected at laparoscopy from 58 women during various stages of the menstrual cycle was evaluated by volume and by estradiol and progesterone content. Volumes were consistently higher in the third cycle week, especially with evidence of a fresh corpus hemorrhagicum. Peritoneal hormonal values were equal to serum values before ovulation, but were significantly elevated after ovulation. In the present study, maximal fluid volume was 78 ml, maximal peritoneal estradiol exceeded 3000 pg/ml, and maximal peritoneal progesterone exceeded 265 ng/ml. Luteal phase peritoneal fluid volumes and hormonal values were not significantly different in women with or without endometriosis. Aspiration of peritoneal fluid at laparoscopy in the infertile woman may provide significant information regarding ovulation.