Ultrasound in the timing of artificial insemination with frozen donor semen.

Ultrasonography was performed to time ovulation in 30 patients participating in program for artificial insemination with donor semen (AID). During this study (10 months) 61 scans were carried out where one or more follicles were visible. The mean number of treatment cycles per patient was 2.8. Insemination with frozen donor semen was performed if a clear and mature follicle was detectable. The mean follicular diameter in successful inseminations was 20.1 +/- 0.8 mm, ranging from 16 to 23 mm. Twelve patients became pregnant, 9 (75%) of them after three treatment cycles. The mean time to conception was 2.75 cycles and the most successful day of the menstrual cycle was day 13. Ovulation was induced in 8 (56.7%) patients who conceived. Ultrasound is a noninvasive, quick and reliable method in the detection and timing of ovulation in most AID patients.