Cyclic variation in concentrations of protein and hexose in human uterine flushings collected by an improved technique.

Uterine flushings were obtained from fertile women at various stages of the menstrual cycle. A technique was used which excluded contamination with cervical mucus and significantly lowered contamination with blood in comparison with an established technique. Contamination of the uterine flushings with seminal plasma and tubal fluid was also prevented. The concentrations of protein and hexose in the uterine flushings, corrected for contamination with plasma, were significantly lower in the secretory stages than in the proliferative stages of the cycle. It is concluded that proteins and carbohydrates are present within the uterine lumen not only after ovulation but also during the preovulatory period.