Role of ultrasound in endometrial examination

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ton Nu Tra My - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

1.1 What is endometrium? The endometrium (also known as the lining of the uterus) is a layer of soft tissue that covers the entire inner surface of the uterus and is closely related to female fertility. The endometrium has 2 parts:
basal endometrium (basal layer): is made up of stromal cells and glandular cells. The basal endothelium is usually not affected during menstruation; Endothelial layer (shallow layer): Usually subject to changes in the menstrual cycle. During the monthly menstrual cycle, the endometrium becomes thicker by the action of sex hormones (the uterus prepares for implantation after the egg is fertilized). If the egg is not fertilized, the endometrial layer will automatically shed, push out, causing vaginal bleeding - the phenomenon of menstruation every month in women. After that, stromal cells and glandular tissue in the basal layer continue to grow, forming a new lining of the uterus. In case the egg is fertilized and implanted, the lining of the uterus will continue to thicken and change its structure to match the embryo and placenta formation process.

1.2 Thickness of the endometrium With each different phase of the menstrual cycle, the thickness of the lining of the uterus will have a certain change. Specifically:
After menopause: It is the thinnest endometrial phase because it was shed during the previous menstrual cycle. The average thickness of the endothelium at this point is 4-6mm. About 14 days apart from the menstrual period: Under the influence of sex hormones, the endometrium gradually becomes thicker and secretes mucus. At this time, the thickness of the endometrium is 8-12mm. This is the best time for the egg to be fertilized and implanted in the uterus. A few days before a new period: The thickness of the endometrium is 12-16mm. If conception does not take place, this endometrial layer will shed from the uterus and be pushed out. The thickness of the endometrium affects a woman's ability to get pregnant. Specifically, the embryo implants and develops in the uterine cavity, so if the endometrium is too thick or too thin, it is not good. Specifically:
The endometrial layer is too thin (less than 8mm) making it difficult to get pregnant, prone to miscarriage, stillbirth. Thin endometrium can be caused by anemia, lack of sex hormone levels, adhesions to the uterine lumen, endometrial damage due to repeated abortions,...; The endometrial layer is too thick (over 20mm) to interfere with women's ability to get pregnant, causing women to experience problems such as menorrhagia, prolonged secondary amenorrhea, unstable ovulation time, etc. In addition, the abnormally thick endometrial layer can also be a warning sign of polycystic ovary disease or an ovulatory disorder, making it difficult or difficult for patients to have children.

Uterine ultrasound is an imaging technique, which evaluates the morphology of the uterus, determines the thickness of the uterine lining and screens for some gynecological diseases.
Ultrasound can detect abnormalities in thickness - thinness or growth of the endometrium at different times in the menstrual cycle so that appropriate advice and interventions can be made, especially in pregnancy. infertility treatment cases. In addition, this technique also helps to detect other endometrial diseases such as: hypertrophy, polyps, cancer... or diseases of the uterus that are related to or affect the endometrium such as: endometriosis. in the myometrium, uterine fibroids... from there, there is a suitable treatment for each disease.
Uterine ultrasound is one of the services in the Basic Gynecological Examination and Screening Package at Vinmec International General Hospital. Basic gynecological examination and screening package helps customers: Early detection of inflammatory diseases makes treatment easy and inexpensive. Screening for early detection of gynecological cancer (cervical cancer)
When registering for the Basic Gynecological Examination and Screening Package, customers will receive a specialist examination in Gynecology, Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries via the route. Vaginal ultrasound, Bilateral breast ultrasound as well as other tests to detect disease even when there are no symptoms.
If you have a need for medical examination at Vimec Health System nationwide, please make an appointment on the website to be served.