Is there any evidence that viable cells are in the menstrual flow?
A. Yes. The presence of viable endometrial cells in the menstrual flow has been demonstrated by culturing the menstrual flow and obtaining tissue cultures. Other evidence has been the presence of viable endometrial cells in the fallopian tube. Endometrial cells which have been obtained from the menstrual flow have been demonstrated to be plantable to other areas of the abdomen (i.e., the abdominal wall). Other evidence supporting this theory is that endometriosis is extremely common at the site of the menstrual blood flow through the tube into the peritoneal cavity; for example, the pelvic sidewall next to or adjacent to the tube and the ovarian surface. Another interesting point is that the mobile pelvic structures, such as the bowel or fallopian tubes themselves, are less likely to allow attachment of transplanted endometrial cells, whereas fixed structures are anticipated and also have been shown to have a higher frequency of having these implants on them. After reviewing all of the
