[The effect of endometrial infection on embryo implantation in the IVF and ET program]

The results of the IVF and ET programme depend on a number of known and hitherto unknown factors. One of them is implantation of the embryo. Only 10-15% of the embryos transferred into the uterus are implanted. The most important factors affecting implantation are quality of the embryo and receptivity of the endometrium. The receptivity of the endometrium depends on hormonal changes, vascularization of the uterus, infectious environment and other factors. Part of them can be influenced to a certain extent. Infection of the endometrium as the cause of unsuccessful implantation could be resolved by therapeutic administration of antibiotics. The objective of the present work was to prove the possible effect of bacterial contamination of the endometrium on results of IVF + ET programmes. During 1996-1997 120 sterile women included in the IVF + ET programme were examined at the First Gynaecological and Obstetric Clinic (transport system-Pronatal, Prague). In all women the author performed during the cycle preceding the stimulated one (the IVF cycle proper) microabrasion of the endometrium by a method which prevents as much as possible contamination of the specimen by the endocervical flora. A smear from the endocervix and vagina was made. The samples were examined for the presence of aerobic and anaerobic flora, Chlamydiae. The endometrium was evaluated also from the histopathological aspect. Results of the examination of the endometrium: 62% of the specimens were positive on cultivation. Most frequently Pseudomonas spec. and Staph. epidermidis were found. Of 34 women who became pregnant 10 had a positive cultivation (29.4%). Of 86 women where pregnancy was not achieved, cultivation was positive in 64 (74.4%). This difference is statistically significant. The same cultivation finding from the endocervix and endometrium was observed only in 21% patients. From the trial where more than twice as many positive cultivations were recorded in non-conceptive cycles as compared with conceptive ones, the following preliminary conclusions can be drawn: 1. Elimination of endometrial infection has its place in the preparation of patients in the IVF + ET programme. 2. It is advisable to treat with antibiotics a positive cultivation of the endometrium or administer antibiotics prophylactically (62% positive) to all patients during a stimulated IVF cycle.