Instituto Bernabeu research reveals that uterine contractility does not influence implantation rates in women with caesarean section

Dr María Martínez, gynaecologist specialising in reproductive medicine at Instituto Bernabeu, together with Dr Juan Carlos Castillo, has led a study, to be published in the journal JBRA Assisted Reproduction, which addresses the impact of uterine contractility on implantation rates in women who have given birth by caesarean section. These women have lower implantation rates in assisted reproduction treatments compared to those who have had vaginal births. ‘The reason for the study was to try to find out if the pattern of uterine contractility was one of the factors involved,’ says Dr Martínez. Through this study, researchers at Instituto Bernabeu were able to compare the frequency of uterine contractions on the day of embryo transfer between four groups of women: those with no previous pregnancy; those with gestation and vaginal delivery; those with caesarean section without isthmocele; and those with caesarean section with isthmocele. The study found no significant differences in the pattern of contractility between the groups, ‘suggesting that uterine contractility is not a contributing factor in reduced implantation rates in women with caesarean section,’ says Maria Martinez.

Although the results have not changed routine clinical or laboratory practice so far, they offer valuable insight to better understand the factors that may influence the success rates of assisted reproductive treatments. In this line, the doctor has highlighted the importance of research in the current context: ‘knowing more about why success rates decrease after caesarean section allows us to personalise treatment and improve the chances of success for our patients’.