Ultrasonographic assessment of endocervix and cervical mucus in ovulatory menstrual cycles

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