Impairment of Uterine Contractility Is Associated with Unexplained Infertility

Abstract

The uterine junctional zone represents the juncture between endometrium and myometrium. The junctional zone is hormonally dependent and displays continuous peristaltic activity throughout the menstrual cycle in the nonpregnant state which is concerned with sperm transport and embryo implantation. Peristalsis may be observed using various invasive and noninvasive modalities, of which ultrasound is the most readily applied in the clinical setting. Women with pelvic pathology display alterations in uterine peristalsis which may contribute to infertility. Characterization of peristalsis in infertility subgroups, the development of a subjective peristalsis tool, and the application of potential therapeutics to an assisted reproductive treatment setting are the subject of ongoing investigation. Meta-analysis indicates a potential role for oxytocin antagonist in the improvement of fertility treatments.

The Influence of Uterine Abnormalities on Uterine Peristalsis in the Non-Pregnant Uterus: A Systematic Review

“…The results of this systematic review support their reported influence of uterine abnormalities on uterine contraction features [1]. It was postulated that abnormal uterine contractions in patients with uterine abnormalities could be the cause of infertility [1], a hypothesis supported by Hunt et al (2020). Effects of endometriosis, adenomyosis and leiomyomas on uterine peristalsis were also described by Hunt et al (2020), with similar conclusions to this review.…”

Women’s quality of sleep and in vitro fertilization success

“…However, evidence to draw a link between altered neurohormones, micronutrients and inflammatory molecules and reduced chances of live birth in IVF is lacking. We speculate that this milieu could affect uterine peristalsis, which is a neglected but potentially crucial component in ensuring IVF-mediated pregnancies 40 , 41 . However, more evidence is needed to verify our hypothesis.…”

The ElectroUteroGraph: A Novel Tool for Assessing Uterine Contractions of Non-Pregnant Women

“…Results only showed statistically significant features, between menstruation and the rest of the menstrual cycle. This was expected, given the cramp-like [19] muscle activity during menses, as opposed to the mild contractions [20] observed outside menses. These mild peristaltic movements vary within this period, in order to promote fertilization and embryo implantation [7] .…”