Etiology and treatment protocol of endometrial cavity fluid during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

Abstract

The endometrial receptivity is one of the keys to embryo implantation, the endometrial cavity fluid (ECF) is a cause of endometrial receptivity disorder. The ECF, as a common associated symptoms of obstetrical and gynecological diseases, has numerous causes. Although the incidence of ECF in the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is less and its etiology is controversy, its presence is detrimental to embryo implantation. The cause of ECF during in IVF-ET were mainly seen in tubal factor, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine factor, and so on. The appearance time and accumulation amount of ECF also have a significant impact on pregnancy outcome, for example, surgical treatment was recommended for ECF caused by hydrosalpinx; transvaginal sonographic ECF aspiration or uterine contraction drug was recommended for the treatment of patients with a large amount of ECF before embryo transfer; the large amount of ECF on the day of embryo transfer was suggested postponing embryo transfer. Thus, the treatment of ECF should be individual in clinic. This paper aims to review the research development of ECF during IVF-ET cycle, especially in the aspects of etiology and treatment. Key words: Fertilization in vitro; Embryo transfer; Endometrial cavity fluid; Etiology; Treatment protocol