Intracavitary-Electrohysterogram: Novel technique for assessing uterine peristalsis and electrophysiology in non-pregnant women

Abstract

Background

Uterine peristalsis plays a crucial role in fertility and is affected by various disorders and pathologies. Its knowledge and assessment are very limited with current monitoring techniques.

Objective

The aim is to objectively and quantitatively characterize menstrual uterine peristalsis using a new technique, intracavitary electrohysterogram (IC-EHG).

Methods

This pilot multicenter study recorded IC-EHG by means of a multipolar catheter in a prospective cohort of 15 healthy women with proven fertility across three menstrual phases: mid-follicular (MF), early luteal (EL), and late luteal (LL). To describe and compare uterine peristaltic patterns, characteristics such as contraction frequency, duration, amplitude, and energy were calculated.

Results

The IC-EHG recordings revealed statistically significant patterns throughout the menstrual phases. Uterine contractions were less frequent (3.2 CT/min), more intense and of longer duration during the MF phase. As the menstrual cycle progressed to the EL and LL phases, the frequency of contractions increased (3.7 and 3.5 CT/min, respectively) while both amplitude and duration declined.

Conclusions

The intracavitary electrohysterogram (IC-EHG) effectively quantifies menstrual cycle-dependent uterine peristalsis and electrophysiological patterns, providing initial reference values for uterine bioelectrical activity in fertile women. This novel technique represents a significant advance in assessing uterine physiology, with potential use as a diagnostic tool for real-time uterine health monitoring, supporting gynecological treatment and planning, and aiding in assisted reproductive technologies through objective metrics of uterine activity.