Ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness on different ovarian stimulation regimens during in-vitro fertilization

Abstract

Endometrial thickness was measured ultrasonographically in three groups of patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) on three different ovulation induction regimens. The endometrial thickness was comparable on all three regimens and similar to that observed in a group of spontaneously ovulating, normal, fertile controls. These patterns of endometrial thickness were observed despite significantly higher levels of serum oestradiol-17 beta in all of the hyperstimulated cycles, suggesting that in the normal cycle a maximum response in terms of endometrial development may be achieved. In the three conception cycles endometrial thickness continued to increase throughout the luteal phase, whilst in non-conception cycles plateauing of thickness increase occurred in the mid-luteal phase and reduction in late luteal phase. Whether ultrasonographic evaluation of endometrium during IVF stimulation cycles has any prognostic value regarding prediction of conception has yet to be determined.