Evaluation of Doppler ultrasonography as a means of monitoring in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles: preliminary results and findings.

In vitro fertilization imposes an emotional and financial burden on infertile couples and has a relatively low success rate, but it offers their only means of conception. As uteroovarian perfusion varies during the menstrual cycle and may be related to uterine receptivity, we sought to identify hemodynamic parameters that would be of use in monitoring stimulated cycles and in making decisions about the timing of in vitro fertilization. Uteroovarian perfusion patterns in patients undergoing ovulation induction and embryo transfer were compared with normally cycling volunteers. Significant changes in ovarian perfusion were seen with suppression and stimulation. Despite manipulation, no difference in uterine perfusion was seen between the groups in the late luteal phase, the crucial time of implantation. We conclude that Doppler ultrasonography may be useful in monitoring artificial cycles and in predicting uterine receptivity.