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Background: This study was aimed to assess the effect of endometrial movements on pregnancy achievement in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. Materials and Methods: The population of this observational study was composed of unexplained infertility couples undergoing first-time IUI with clomiphene citrate between September 2010 and October 2011. Not only endometrial movements, but also thickness, volume, pattern, and echogenic change of endometrium were analyzed prospectively in prediction of pregnancy. Results: The total number of 241 cycles of IUI with 49 intrauterine pregnancies (20.3%) was analyzed. Pregnancy was not related to endometrial thickness and endometrial volume, but significantly related to endometrial movements associated with the number of contraction, strong movement, cervicofundal direction, and hyperechoic change (p<0.05). Pregnant group showed higher cervicofundal movement rate (89.8 vs. 75.5%). Conclusion: For IUI cycles stimulated by clomiphene citrate in unexplained infertility women, endometrial movements on the day of IUI could be a predictor of pregnancy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study was performed to assess the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-1, -2 and -3 mRNA in eutopic endometrial tissue and their effects on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes in women with endometriosis. Materials and Methods: Twenty women with endometriosis III or IV (study group) and 20 with tubal infertility only (control group) were evaluated. Controlled ovarian stimulation in all patients consisted of the long protocol using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist. Prior to the administration of 0.1 mg triptorelin daily in the mid-luteal phase of the preceding menstrual cycle, a biopsy specimen was taken from the endometrial cavity, and the expression levels of VEGFR-1, -2 and -3 mRNA were analyzed with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: There were no significant differences in the numbers of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes, fertilization rate and clinical pregnancy rate between the study and control groups. However, the implantation rate was significantly lower in the study group (P < 0.05). The relative amounts of VEGFR-1, -2 and -3 mRNA were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.001 each). The relative amounts of VEGFR-1 and -3 mRNA were significantly higher in the non-pregnant than in the pregnant subgroup of the study group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Increased expression of VEGFR in the endometrium, especially VEGFR-1 and -3, may be related to the development of endometriosis and may reduce the receptivity of the endometrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]