Transvaginal sonographic assessment of follicular and endometrial growth in spontaneous and clomiphene citrate cycles.

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of follicular development and endometrial growth using transvaginal sonography in spontaneous and clomiphene citrate (CC) cycles with a spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge.

DESIGN

Prospective study of a spontaneous cycle followed by a CC cycle to compare paired data.

SETTING

Institutional tertiary referral infertility clinic.

PATIENTS

Eighteen couples with primary unexplained infertility voluntarily recruited from the infertility clinic.

INTERVENTION

Daily transvaginal sonography and endocrine monitoring. Clomiphene citrate (150 mg) was administered on days 5 to 9 of CC cycle.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Leading follicular diameter and endometrial thickness.

RESULTS

The growth rate of the leading follicle was similar in both study cycles, although in CC cycles the leading follicle diameter was significantly larger. Endometrial thickness was reduced in CC cycles.

CONCLUSION

Follicular development and endometrial thickness are altered in CC cycles.