Assessment of the implantation site by transvaginal ultrasonography

Fertil Steril. 1993 May;59(5):1003-6. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55918-4.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the implantation site in a singleton pregnancy.

Design: Transvaginal ultrasonography (US) was performed at the mid or late follicular phase and/or at very early gestation before 6 weeks.

Setting, patients: Ultrasound monitoring was performed on 21 women with spontaneous cycles or treated by administration of 2.5 mg/d bromocriptine mesylate (Parlodel; Sando Co., Tokyo, Japan) for occulted hyperprolactinemia at the Fertility Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gunma University Hospital.

Main outcome measures: The site of the ovary with a growing follicle and/or a corpus luteum of pregnancy, and the location of a gestational sac in longitudinal and transverse views were observed.

Results: When ovulation occurred in the right ovary, 12 of the 14 gestational sacs were located on the right wall, 1 on the midwall, and 1 on the left wall. Ovulation in the left ovary resulted in 5 gestational sacs located in the left wall and 2 on the midwall. That is, of 21 gestational sacs, 17 were located on the ipsilateral uterine wall to the ovulating ovary, 3 on the midwall, and only 1 on the contralateral.

Conclusion: Implantation occurs on the ipsilateral uterine wall to the ovulating ovary.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use
  • Embryo Implantation*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / drug therapy
  • Infertility, Female / drug therapy
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Ovarian Follicle / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ovulation
  • Pregnancy
  • Ultrasonography
  • Uterus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vagina

Substances

  • Bromocriptine