Relation between endometrial wavelike activity and fecundability in spontaneous cycles
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2026

Methods for Studying Uterine Contributions to Pregnancy Establishment in an Ovariectomized Mouse Model
Published on: April 7, 2023
M M IJland1, J L Evers, G A Dunselman
1Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
To determine whether endometrial activity is related to the occurrence of pregnancy in spontaneous menstrual cycles.
Design:
Prospective observational ultrasound evaluation of endometrial activity during fertility screening cycles.
Setting:
University hospital-based infertility clinic.
Patient(S):
Fifty-nine fertility screening cycles (ultrasound monitoring of follicle growth and ovulation, postcoital test, semen analysis, midluteal P, Chlamydia antibody determination, and tubal patency testing) were performed in 47 couples complaining of infertility. In 33 couples (37 cycles), no fertility impairing factors were found. Endometrial activity was analyzed in these cycles.
Intervention(S):
Ultrasound examination was performed transvaginally throughout the cycle.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Endometrial activity, wave pattern, pregnancy.
Results(S):
Nine women conceived within the cycle studied. Conception cycles showed less-activity compared with nonconception cycles. Endometrial wavelike activity increased throughout the follicular phase and decreased after ovulation in conception and nonconception cycles.
Conclusion(S):
Endometrial activity is related to fecundability in a spontaneous cycle.
Related Concept Videos
Ovarian Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Proliferative Phase
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...

