Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Objective: In addition to the routinely used methods to evaluate the preovulation period, a new method will be described, assessing the aspect of the endocervix and the presence of cervical mucus by transvaginal ultrasonography in unexplained infertility. Study design: 60 women divided to 30women of unexplained infertility and 30 fertile women participated in the study. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed every other day until ovulation was observed, assessing the echodensity of the endocervical epithelium, endocervical diameter and the presence of cervical mucus. On the same days the diameter of the largest ovarian follicle was determined. Results: Changes in the echodensity of the endocervix were observed in 29 fertile women and 28women of unexplained infertility, from 5 days before ovulation onwards. The presence of cervical mucus could clearly be observed in the preovulatory phase in30 women of both groups, during preovulation period. The cervical canal diameters of 1mm correlated with presence sonolucent of cervical mucus, so 1 mm may serve as a cutoff between a favorable and an unfavorable cervical environment for fertilization

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