Characterization of the uterine junctional zone prior to IVF/ICSI: an observational study.

Purpose: The uterine junctional zone as documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown to be of significance with respect to the early process of human reproduction. In this study, MRI findings were related to the outcome of an IVF/ICSI program.

Materials And Methods: In 113 infertile women, the diameter of the anterior and posterior junctional zone (JZ) myometrium was documented by MRI prior to the use of ART.

Uterine peristaltic activity and the development of endometriosis.

Peristaltic activity of the nonpregnant uterus serves fundamental functions in the early process of reproduction, such as directed transport of spermatozoa into the tube ipsilateral to the dominant follicle, high fundal implantation of the embryo, and, possibly, retrograde menstruation. Hyperperistalsis of the uterus is significantly associated with the development of endometriosis and adenomyosis. In women with hyperperistalsis, fragments of basal endometrium are detached during menstruation and transported into the peritoneal cavity.