Ultrasonographic assessment of endocervix and cervical mucus in ovulatory menstrual cycles

Objective: In addition to the routinely used methods to evaluate the menstr ual cycle, a new method will be described, assessing the aspect of the endo cervix and the presence of cervical mucus by transvaginal ultrasonography. Study design: 36 healthy female volunteers with regular menstrual cycles pa rticipated in the study. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed every o ther day until ovulation was observed, assessing the diameter of the larges t ovarian follicle, endometrial thickness, the aspect of the endocervix, an d the presence of cervical mucus. On the same days serum hormone concentrat ions were determined. Results: Changes in the echodensity of the endocervix were observed in 35 volunteers, from 7 (1-19) (median and range) days befo re ovulation onwards. The presence of cervical mucus could clearly be obser ved in the preovulatory phase in 25 volunteers, from 3 (1-7) days before ov ulation onwards. Conclusion: Preovulatory changes in the aspect of the endo cervix and cervical mucus can be observed by transvaginal ultrasonography. Ultrasonography of the cervix may offer an additive diagnostic tool in fert ility disorders and will, in many cases, make visual inspection of the cerv ix unnecessary. (C) 1000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.