Is Ultrasound Monitoring of Follicular Growth Harmless?

Monitoring of the growth of ovarian follicles by ultrasound (US) is now frequently utilized in such procedures as hMG stimulation, artificial insemination, and in vitro fertilization. While experimental studies have demonstrated that ultrasound, when used at diagnostic intensities, is not toxic for cells or tissues, 1 until now there has been no study concerning the effect of ultrasound waves on preovulatory follicles. Using ultrasound to determine the appropriate time for artificial insemination with donor semen (AID) in 1980, we have compared the pregnancy rates in two populations of AID patients (with US versus without US). The success rate is reduced in the US‐monitored group. Animal experiments confirm these results.