Management of thin endometrium in assisted reproduction: a clinical practice guideline from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society.

The impact and management of thin endometrium is a common challenge for patients undergoing assisted reproduction. The objective of this Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) framework on the assessment, impact and management of thin endometrium in assisted reproduction. The effect of endometrial thickness on pregnancy and live birth outcomes in ovarian stimulation and IVF (fresh and frozen cycles) is addressed. In addition, recommendations on the use of adjuvants to improve endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes are provided.

Endometrial thickness in 1,500 asymptomatic postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the normal endometrial thickness (ET) on transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) of asymptomatic postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy. A subgroup that was determined to be suspicious for having an endometrial polyp was compared with the remainder. METHODS: This prospective study selected 1,500 consecutive asymptomatic postmenopausal women receiving TVUS assessment from January to August 2010. ET was recorded. Results were divided into those with a normal-appearing lining (n = 1,399) and those suspicious for polyp (n = 101). Results for the entire sample were obtained and the groups were compared using independent samples t tests. RESULTS: Of 1,500 women aged 45-95 years, 77.1% had an ET of ≤4 mm and 92% were ≤5 mm. Independent samples t tests were performed to compare the mean age and mean ET based on polyp status (i.e. with or without a possible polyp). There was a significant difference in mean age, 67.71 vs. 62.36 years (p < 0.01) and mean ET 8.02 vs. 3.40 mm (p < 0.01) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: 92% of asymptomatic postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy had an ET of ≤5 mm. The mean ET was 3.71 ± 1.9 mm. However, a significant group, 6.7%, had an endometrial lining suspicious for polyp. These women had a significant increase in mean age and ET.

A prospective evaluation of uterine abnormalities by saline infusion sonohysterography in 1,009 women with infertility or abnormal uterine bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) in the investigation of uterine abnormalities and malformations in patients referred for infertility work-up compared with women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Academically oriented private practice. PATIENT(S): One thousand nine consecutive women examined by SIS for infertility work-up (n = 600, infertility group) or AUB investigation (n = 409, AUB group). INTERVENTION(S): SIS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Intracavitary abnormalities and uterine anomalies. RESULT(S): Among the women in the infertility group, 16.2% (n = 97) were found to have intracavitary abnormalities, including polyps (13.0%), submucous fibroids (2.8%), and adhesions (0.3%). Significantly, more patients in the AUB group (39.6%, n = 162) revealed intracavitary abnormalities, including polyps (29.8%), submucous fibroids (9.0%), and adhesions (0.7%). In contrast, significantly more uterine anomalies were found in the infertility group (20%, n = 120) compared with the AUB group (9.5%, n = 39). Arcuate uterus was the most common finding (15% vs. 6.4% of patients, respectively). CONCLUSION(S): An SIS procedure for infertility work-up revealed a substantial percentage of infertile patients with intracavitary abnormalities and uterine anomalies. Because the technique is safe, well tolerated, and feasible in an outpatient setting, SIS should be considered routinely in the early stage of infertility and AUB investigation.