Download PDF
Semin Reprod Med 2020; 38(01): 061-073
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716409
Review Article

Impairment of Uterine Contractility Is Associated with Unexplained Infertility

Sarah Hunt
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
2   Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
3   Monash IVF, Richmond, Australia
,
Karim S. Abdallah
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
4   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Assiut University, Women's Health Hospital, Assiut, Egypt
,
Ernest Ng
5   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
,
Luk Rombauts
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
2   Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
3   Monash IVF, Richmond, Australia
,
Beverley Vollenhoven
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
2   Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
3   Monash IVF, Richmond, Australia
,
Ben W. Mol
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
2   Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
6   Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
› Further Information
    Permissions and Reprints

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.

Keywords

endometrial myometrial junction - uterine junctional zone - endometrial contractions - uterine peristalsis


Publication History

Article published online:
14 October 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

  • References

  • 1 Kuijsters NPM, Methorst WG, Kortenhorst MSQ, Rabotti C, Mischi M, Schoot BC. Uterine peristalsis and fertility: current knowledge and future perspectives: a review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35 (01) 50-71
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Noe M, Kunz G, Herbertz M, Mall G, Leyendecker G. The cyclic pattern of the immunocytochemical expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors in human myometrial and endometrial layers: characterization of the endometrial-subendometrial unit. Hum Reprod 1999; 14 (01) 190-197
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Ijland MM, Evers JL, Dunselman GA, van Katwijk C, Lo CR, Hoogland HJ. Endometrial wavelike movements during the menstrual cycle. Fertil Steril 1996; 65 (04) 746-749
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Abdallah Y, Naji O, Saso S. et al. Ultrasound assessment of the peri-implantation uterus: a review. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012; 39 (06) 612-619
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Hricak H, Alpers C, Crooks LE, Sheldon PE. Magnetic resonance imaging of the female pelvis: initial experience. AJR Am J Roentgenol 1983; 141 (06) 1119-1128
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Brosens JJ, de Souza NM, Barker FG. Uterine junctional zone: function and disease. Lancet 1995; 346 (8974): 558-560
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 7 Tetlow RL, Richmond I, Manton DJ, Greenman J, Turnbull LW, Killick SR. Histological analysis of the uterine junctional zone as seen by transvaginal ultrasound. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 1999; 14 (03) 188-193
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 8 Bulletti C, Flamigni C, de Ziegler D. Implantation markers and endometriosis. Reprod Biomed Online 2005; 11 (04) 464-468
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 9 Bulletti C, de Ziegler D. Uterine contractility and embryo implantation. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2006; 18 (04) 473-484
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 10 Turnbull LW, Manton DJ, Horsman A, Killick SR. Magnetic resonance imaging changes in uterine zonal anatomy during a conception cycle. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995; 102 (04) 330-331
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 11 Barton JW, McCarthy SM, Kohorn EI, Scoutt LM, Lange RC. Pelvic MR imaging findings in gestational trophoblastic disease, incomplete abortion, and ectopic pregnancy: are they specific?. Radiology 1993; 186 (01) 163-168
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 12 Brosens I, Derwig I, Brosens J, Fusi L, Benagiano G, Pijnenborg R. The enigmatic uterine junctional zone: the missing link between reproductive disorders and major obstetrical disorders?. Hum Reprod 2010; 25 (03) 569-574
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 13 Lyons EA, Taylor PJ, Zheng XH, Ballard G, Levi CS, Kredentser JV. Characterization of subendometrial myometrial contractions throughout the menstrual cycle in normal fertile women. Fertil Steril 1991; 55 (04) 771-774
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 14 Abramowicz JS, Archer DF. Uterine endometrial peristalsis--a transvaginal ultrasound study. Fertil Steril 1990; 54 (03) 451-454
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 15 Chalubinski K, Deutinger J, Bernaschek G. Vaginosonography for recording of cycle-related myometrial contractions. Fertil Steril 1993; 59 (01) 225-228
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 16 Kunz G, Beil D, Deininger H, Wildt L, Leyendecker G. The dynamics of rapid sperm transport through the female genital tract: evidence from vaginal sonography of uterine peristalsis and hysterosalpingoscintigraphy. Hum Reprod 1996; 11 (03) 627-632
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 17 Kunz G, Leyendecker G. Uterine peristaltic activity during the menstrual cycle: characterization, regulation, function and dysfunction. Reprod Biomed Online 2002; 4 (Suppl. 03) 5-9
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 18 Fanchin R. Assessing uterine receptivity in 2001: ultrasonographic glances at the new millennium. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 943: 185-202
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 19 Bulletti C, DeZiegler D, Stefanetti M, Cicinelli E, Pelosi E, Flamigni C. Endometriosis: absence of recurrence in patients after endometrial ablation. Hum Reprod 2001; 16 (12) 2676-2679
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 20 Kunz G, Beil D, Deiniger H, Einspanier A, Mall G, Leyendecker G. The uterine peristaltic pump. Normal and impeded sperm transport within the female genital tract. Adv Exp Med Biol 1997; 424: 267-277
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 21 Kissler S, Wildt L, Schmiedehausen K. et al. Predictive value of impaired uterine transport function assessed by negative hysterosalpingoscintigraphy (HSSG). Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2004; 113 (02) 204-208
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 22 Kissler S, Hamscho N, Zangos S. et al. Diminished pregnancy rates in endometriosis due to impaired uterotubal transport assessed by hysterosalpingoscintigraphy. BJOG 2005; 112 (10) 1391-1396
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 23 Wildt L, Kissler S, Licht P, Becker W. Sperm transport in the human female genital tract and its modulation by oxytocin as assessed by hysterosalpingoscintigraphy, hysterotonography, electrohysterography and Doppler sonography. Hum Reprod Update 1998; 4 (05) 655-666
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 24 Einer-Jensen N. Functional and therapeutic aspects of counter current transfer in the female adnexa. Med Hypotheses 1990; 33 (02) 125-127
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 25 Kunz G, Herbertz M, Noe M, Leyendecker G. Sonographic evidence for the involvement of the utero-ovarian counter-current system in the ovarian control of directed uterine sperm transport. Hum Reprod Update 1998; 4 (05) 667-672
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 26 Kunz G, Beil D, Huppert P, Leyendecker G. Control and function of uterine peristalsis during the human luteal phase. Reprod Biomed Online 2006; 13 (04) 528-540
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 27 Heinricius G. En metod att grafiskt atergiva kontraktioner hos en icke gravid livmoder. Fin Lakaresallsk Handl 1889; 31: 349-355
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 28 Hendricks CH. A new technique for the study of motility in the non-pregnancy human uterus. J Obstet Gynaecol Br Commonw 1964; 71: 712-715
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 29 Hendricks CH. Inherent motility patterns and response characteristics of the nonpregnant human uterus. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1966; 96 (06) 824-843
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 30 Fanchin R, Ayoubi JM. Uterine dynamics: impact on the human reproduction process. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 18 (Suppl. 02) 57-62
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 31 Jacobson EL, Lackner JE, Sinykin MB. Activity of the human non- pregnant uterus. Am J Psychol 1940; 53: 407-417
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 32 Shafik A. Electrohysterogram: study of the electromechanical activity of the uterus in humans. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1997; 73 (01) 85-89
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 33 Nakai A, Togahi K, Ueda H, Yamaoka T, Fujii S, Konishi J. Junctional zone on magnetic resonance imaging: continuous changes on ultrafast images. J Womens Imaging 2001; 3: 89-93
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 34 Nakai A, Togashi K, Yamaoka T. et al. Uterine peristalsis shown on cine MR imaging using ultrafast sequence. J Magn Reson Imaging 2003; 18 (06) 726-733
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 35 Nakai A, Togashi K, Kosaka K. et al. Uterine peristalsis: comparison of transvaginal ultrasound and two different sequences of cine MR imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2004; 20 (03) 463-469
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 36 Kido A, Nishiura M, Togashi K. et al. A semiautomated technique for evaluation of uterine peristalsis. J Magn Reson Imaging 2005; 21 (03) 249-257
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 37 Birnholz JC. Ultrasonic visualization of endometrial movements. Fertil Steril 1984; 41 (01) 157-158
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 38 van Gestel I, IJland MM, Hoogland HJ, Evers JL. Endometrial wave-like activity in the non-pregnant uterus. Hum Reprod Update 2003; 9 (02) 131-138
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 39 Ayoubi JM, Epiney M, Brioschi PA, Fanchin R, Chardonnens D, de Ziegler D. Comparison of changes in uterine contraction frequency after ovulation in the menstrual cycle and in in vitro fertilization cycles. Fertil Steril 2003; 79 (05) 1101-1105
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 40 Ayoubi JM, Fanchin R, Kaddouz D, Frydman R, de Ziegler D. Uterorelaxing effects of vaginal progesterone: comparison of two methodologies for assessing uterine contraction frequency on ultrasound scans. Fertil Steril 2001; 76 (04) 736-740
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 41 IJland MM, Evers JL, Dunselman GA, Hoogland HJ. Subendometrial contractions in the nonpregnant uterus: an ultrasound study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1996; 70 (01) 23-24
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 42 van Gestel I, IJland MM, Evers JL, Hoogland HJ. Complex endometrial wave-patterns in IVF. Fertil Steril 2007; 88 (03) 612-615
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 43 Swierkowski-Blanchard N, Boitrelle F, Alter L, Selva J, Quibel T, Torre A. Uterine contractility and elastography as prognostic factors for pregnancy after intrauterine insemination. Fertil Steril 2017; 107 (04) 961-968.e3
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 44 Sammali F, Kuijsters NPM, Huang Y. et al. Dedicated ultrasound speckle tracking for quantitative analysis of uterine motion outside pregnancy. IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control 2019; 66 (03) 581-590
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 45 Mol BW, Tjon-Kon-Fat R, Kamphuis E, van Wely M. Unexplained infertility: Is it over-diagnosed and over-treated?. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 53: 20-29
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 46 Bulletti C, Prefetto RA, Bazzocchi G. et al. Electromechanical activities of human uteri during extra-corporeal perfusion with ovarian steroids. Hum Reprod 1993; 8 (10) 1558-1563
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 47 Gunn DD, Bates GW. Evidence-based approach to unexplained infertility: a systematic review. Fertil Steril 2016; 105 (06) 1566-1574.e1
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 48 Gleicher N, Kuhnir VA, Barad DH. Unexplained infertility. Lancet 2018; 392 (10157): 1516-1517
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 49 Kunz G, Beil D, Huppert P, Leyendecker G. Structural abnormalities of the uterine wall in women with endometriosis and infertility visualized by vaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Hum Reprod 2000; 15 (01) 76-82
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 50 Kunz G, Beil D, Huppert P, Noe M, Kissler S, Leyendecker G. Adenomyosis in endometriosis--prevalence and impact on fertility. Evidence from magnetic resonance imaging. Hum Reprod 2005; 20 (08) 2309-2316
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 51 Leyendecker G. Redefining endometriosis: endometriosis is an entity with extreme pleiomorphism. Hum Reprod 2000; 15 (01) 4-7
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 52 Salamanca A, Beltrán E. Subendometrial contractility in menstrual phase visualized by transvaginal sonography in patients with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 1995; 64 (01) 193-195
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 53 Leyendecker G, Kunz G, Wildt L, Beil D, Deininger H. Uterine hyperperistalsis and dysperistalsis as dysfunctions of the mechanism of rapid sperm transport in patients with endometriosis and infertility. Hum Reprod 1996; 11 (07) 1542-1551
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 54 Kido A, Togashi K, Nishino M. et al. Cine MR imaging of uterine peristalsis in patients with endometriosis. Eur Radiol 2007; 17 (07) 1813-1819
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 55 Fusi L, Cloke B, Brosens JJ. The uterine junctional zone. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2006; 20 (04) 479-491
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 56 Novellas S, Chassang M, Delotte J. et al. MRI characteristics of the uterine junctional zone: from normal to the diagnosis of adenomyosis. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2011; 196 (05) 1206-1213
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 57 Kissler S, Hamscho N, Zangos S. et al. Uterotubal transport disorder in adenomyosis and endometriosis--a cause for infertility. BJOG 2006; 113 (08) 902-908
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 58 Williams ARW. Uterine fibroids - what's new?. F1000 Res 2017; 6: 2109
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 59 Brosens J, Campo R, Gordts S, Brosens I. Submucous and outer myometrium leiomyomas are two distinct clinical entities. Fertil Steril 2003; 79 (06) 1452-1454
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 60 Whynott RM, Vaught KCC, Segars JH. The effect of uterine fibroids on infertility: a systematic review. Semin Reprod Med 2017; 35 (06) 523-532
    Article in Thieme ConnectPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 61 Nishino M, Togashi K, Nakai A. et al. Uterine contractions evaluated on cine MR imaging in patients with uterine leiomyomas. Eur J Radiol 2005; 53 (01) 142-146
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 62 Ijland MM, Evers JL, Dunselman GA, Hoogland HJ. Endometrial wavelike activity, endometrial thickness, and ultrasound texture in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles. Fertil Steril 1998; 70 (02) 279-283
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 63 Zhu L, Li Y, Xu A. Influence of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on uterine peristalsis in infertile women. Hum Reprod 2012; 27 (09) 2684-2689
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 64 Fanchin R, Righini C, Olivennes F, Taylor S, de Ziegler D, Frydman R. Uterine contractions at the time of embryo transfer alter pregnancy rates after in-vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod 1998; 13 (07) 1968-1974
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 65 Fanchin R, Ayoubi JM, Olivennes F, Righini C, de Ziegler D, Frydman R. Hormonal influence on the uterine contractility during ovarian stimulation. Hum Reprod 2000; 15 (Suppl. 01) 90-100
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 66 Fanchin R, Ayoubi JM, Righini C, Olivennes F, Schönauer LM, Frydman R. Uterine contractility decreases at the time of blastocyst transfers. Hum Reprod 2001; 16 (06) 1115-1119
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 67 Zhu L, Xiao L, Che HS, Li YP, Liao JT. Uterine peristalsis exerts control over fluid migration after mock embryo transfer. Hum Reprod 2014; 29 (02) 279-285
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 68 Lesny P, Killick SR, Tetlow RL, Robinson J, Maguiness SD. Embryo transfer--can we learn anything new from the observation of junctional zone contractions?. Hum Reprod 1998; 13 (06) 1540-1546
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 69 Lesny P, Killick SR, Tetlow RL, Robinson J, Maguiness SD. Embryo transfer and uterine junctional zone contractions. Hum Reprod Update 1999; 5 (01) 87-88
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 70 van der Linden M, Buckingham K, Farquhar C, Kremer JA, Metwally M. Luteal phase support for assisted reproduction cycles. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; (07) CD009154
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 71 Fanchin R, Righini C, de Ziegler D, Olivennes F, Ledée N, Frydman R. Effects of vaginal progesterone administration on uterine contractility at the time of embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 2001; 75 (06) 1136-1140
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 72 Baruffi R, Mauri AL, Petersen CG, Felipe V, Franco Jr JG. Effects of vaginal progesterone administration starting on the day of oocyte retrieval on pregnancy rates. J Assist Reprod Genet 2003; 20 (12) 517-520
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 73 Nakai A, Togashi K, Kosaka K. et al. Do anticholinergic agents suppress uterine peristalsis and sporadic myometrial contractions at cine MR imaging?. Radiology 2008; 246 (02) 489-496
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 74 Daido S, Nakai A, Kido A. et al. Anticholinergic agents result in weaker and shorter suppression of uterine contractility compared with intestinal motion: time course observation with cine MRI. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 38 (05) 1196-1202
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 75 Kido A, Togashi K, Hatayama H. et al. Uterine peristalsis in women with repeated IVF failures: possible therapeutic effect of hyoscine bromide. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2009; 31 (08) 732-735
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 76 Liang Z, Sooranna SR, Engineer N. et al. Prostaglandin F2-alpha receptor regulation in human uterine myocytes. Mol Hum Reprod 2008; 14 (04) 215-223
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 77 Pierzynski P. Oxytocin and vasopressin V(1A) receptors as new therapeutic targets in assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 22 (01) 9-16
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 78 Vrachnis N, Malamas FM, Sifakis S, Deligeoroglou E, Iliodromiti Z. The oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system and its antagonists as tocolytic agents. Int J Endocrinol 2011; 2011: 350546
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 79 Bossmar T, Akerlund M, Szamatowicz J, Laudanski T, Fantoni G, Maggi M. Receptor-mediated uterine effects of vasopressin and oxytocin in nonpregnant women. Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995; 102 (11) 907-912
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 80 Mackenzie LW, Word RA, Casey ML, Stull JT. Myosin light chain phosphorylation in human myometrial smooth muscle cells. Am J Physiol 1990; 258 (1, Pt 1): C92-C98
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 81 Molnár M, Rigó Jr J, Romero R, Hertelendy F. Oxytocin activates mitogen-activated protein kinase and up-regulates cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin production in human myometrial cells. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999; 181 (01) 42-49
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 82 de Heus R, Mulder EJ, Derks JB, Visser GH. Acute tocolysis for uterine activity reduction in term labor: a review. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2008; 63 (06) 383-388 , quiz 405
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 83 Pierzynski P, Reinheimer TM, Kuczynski W. Oxytocin antagonists may improve infertility treatment. Fertil Steril 2007; 88 (01) 213.e19-213.e22
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 84 Huang QY, Rong MH, Lan AH. et al. The impact of atosiban on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12 (04) e0175501
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 85 Barusiban subcutaneously for reducing implantation failure due to uterine contractions. Accessed June 28, 2020 at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01723982
    Google Scholar
  • 86 Kim JH, Jee BC, Suh CS, Kim SH. Nomogram to predict ongoing pregnancy using age of women and serum biomarkers after in vitro fertilization cycles. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 172: 65-69
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 87 Moraloglu O, Tonguc E, Var T, Zeyrek T, Batioglu S. Treatment with oxytocin antagonists before embryo transfer may increase implantation rates after IVF. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21 (03) 338-343
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 88 Lesny P, Killick SR, Robinson J, Raven G, Maguiness SD. Junctional zone contractions and embryo transfer: is it safe to use a tenaculum?. Hum Reprod 1999; 14 (09) 2367-2370
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 89 Balci O, Acar A, Colakoglu MC. Does tenaculum application to the cervix during intrauterine insemination affect pregnancy rates?. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2009; 88 (09) 1053-1056
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 90 Kim A, Young Lee J, Il Ji Y. et al. Do endometrial movements affect the achievement of pregnancy during intrauterine insemination?. Int J Fertil Steril 2015; 8 (04) 399-408
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 91 Ng EH, Li RH, Chen L, Lan VT, Tuong HM, Quan S. A randomized double blind comparison of atosiban in patients undergoing IVF treatment. Hum Reprod 2014; 29 (12) 2687-2694
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 92 He Y, Wu H, He X. et al. Administration of atosiban in patients with endometriosis undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a prospective, randomized study. Fertil Steril 2016; 106 (02) 416-422
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 93 Hebisha S, Adel HM, Ahmed AI. Impact of the oxytocin receptor antagonist (ATOSIBAN) administered shortly before embryo transfer on pregnancy outcome after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Am Soc Reprod Med Fertil Steril 2016; 106 (03) e88-e89
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 94 Tournaye HHA, Lecomte V, Terrill P, Pierzynski P, Loumaye E. A placebo- controlled, randomized, double- blind study of pregnancy and live birth rates after single oral administration of a novel oxytocin receptor antagonist, nolasiban, prior to embryo transfer. Abstracts of the 33rd Annual Meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Hum Reprod 2017; 32: i12
    PubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 95 Barusiban, 2020. Accessed June 28, 2020 at: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2012-001622-10/results
  • 96 Barusiban, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020 at: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2012-001622-10/results
  • 97 Yuan C, Song H, Fan L, Su S, Dong B. The effect of atosiban on patients with difficult embryo transfers undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Reprod Sci 2019; 26 (12) 1613-1617
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 98 Nolasiban IMPLANT2. 2020, Accessed June 28, 2020 https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2016-004266-25/results
  • 99 Nolasiban IMPLANT2. 2020. Accessed September 1, 2020 at: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2016-004266-25/results
  • 100 Nolasiban IMPLANT4. 2020, 2020, Accessed June 28, 2020 at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03758885?term=nolasiban&draw=2&rank=1
  • 101 Nolasiban, 2020. Accessed June 28, 2020 at: https://www.obseva.com/nolasiban/