Ovulation instantaneously modifies women's peritoneal fluid characteristics: a demonstration from an in vitro fertilization program.

Concentrations of P and E2 were measured in serum and PF obtained from 34 laparoscopies performed in 18 patients for oocyte retrieval in an in vitro fertilization program. Samples from group A (28 patients who had not ovulated at laparoscopy) and group B (6 patients who had ovulated very shortly before laparoscopy) were compared. No difference was observed in serum steroid levels between the two groups; however, group B showed a 100-times increase in E2 concentration and a 200-times increase in P concentration measured in the PF. In conclusion, we can postulate that this sudden and large increase in PF steroids after ovulation is initially solely dependent on the mechanic rupture of the follicle and not on its luteinization.