Role of ultrasound in infertility.

The use of ultrasound technology and its further prospects in an infertility clinic are described. First, the ultrasonic ovarian scanning during the follicular phase of stimulated cycles is discussed. With this technique the number and size of the follicles, and the thickness of the endometrium can be estimated. Second, three different routes for ultrasound guided follicle puncture are described, namely the transvesical, the transvaginal and the perurethral puncture. Finally, the ultrasound guided embryo transfer procedure is explained.