Clinical Research Directory

Endometrial Peristalsis and Pregnancy Outcomes in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Cycles

Endometrial peristalsis may influence embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes, but its role during hormone replacement therapy (HRT)-prepared frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles remains unclear. This prospective observational study will assess endometrial peristalsis at predefined time points during HRT-prepared FET cycles using transvaginal ultrasonography and evaluate its association with pregnancy outcomes. The study aims to clarify the clinical significance of endometrial peristalsis in HRT-prepared FET cycles and to provide evidence supporting endometrial assessment in assisted reproductive technology.

Impact Of FET Preparation Protocol On Endometrial Peristalsis: A Prospective Cohort Study

The uterus is a dynamic muscular organ that undergoes rhythmic, wave-like contractions known as endometrial peristalsis or endometrial waves. This muscular activity, which is an essential component of natural fertility, presents a nuanced and sometimes contradictory role in the context of assisted reproductive treatments. Endometrial peristalsis refers to the frequency, amplitude, and pattern of myometrial contractions occurring in different reproductive phases. These peristalsis play vital roles in sperm transport, embryo migration, and implantation. Clinical and imaging studies suggest that abnormal patterns or excessive contractility at the time of embryo transfer may disrupt endometrial-embryo synchrony, impair implantation, and increase miscarriage risk. However, most evidence on endometrial peristalsis pertains to fresh embryo transfer cycles, natural conceptions, or pathological contexts, such as adenomyosis or fibroids, with limited insights regarding its effects on different endometrial preparation protocols in frozen embryo transfer (FET). Understanding the dynamics of endometrial peristalsis in this context is clinically important, as inappropriate contractile activity could physically expel the embryo or create a non-receptive environment, ultimately reducing the chances of live birth. Despite its theoretical significance, there is a paucity of robust, prospective data correlating endometrial peristalsis patterns measured around the time of FET with different endometrial preparation protocols with subsequent pregnancy outcomes.