The value of ultrasound for monitoring ovarian responses to gonadotrophin stimulant therapy

Abstract

Ultrasonic measurement of ovarian follicles was used in conjunction with conventional measurement of urinary oestrogen output to monitor responses in infertile women receiving gonadotrophin stimulant therapy. In the 21 women who conceived during the first 15 months, in which this combined monitoring was used, ultrasound proved superior to oestrogen measurement alone for assessing follicular maturity and hence deciding when to administer the ovulating dose fo chorionic gonadotrophin. The use of ultrasound imaging improves efficiency of treatment with gonadotrophin stimulant therapy, but is not predictive of multiple pregnancy or of hyperstimulation.