Oxytocin--a stimulator of directed sperm transport in humans.

Rhythmic peristaltic contractions of the muscular wall of the non-pregnant uterus, as well as rapid sperm transport from the vagina to the Fallopian tubes, have long been documented by means of vaginal sonography and hysterosalpingoscintigraphy. Uterine peristaltic activity reaches a maximum before ovulation and is controlled via oestradiol secretion from the dominant follicle systemically and into the utero-ovarian countercurrent system; it is also enhanced by oxytocin. In this study, the effect of oxytocin and its receptor antagonist atosiban on uterine peristalsis and thus directed sperm transport during the mid and late follicular phases was examined.