Role of ultrasound in the assessment of female infertility

Abstract

Ultrasound has made significant advancements in reproductive medicine, especially infertility of a female cause. It is a useful tool in the diagnosis and management of various disorders. Transvaginal ultrasonography in particular plays a vital role in infertility treatment as it allows for evaluation of normal and stimulated ovarian cycles, aspiration of follicles, and subsequent transfer of embryos. The use of color Doppler permits visualization of endometrial and intraovarian vessels, facilitating an understanding of normal and abnormal physiology of the uterus and ovaries. This article reviews a variety of case scenarios regarding female infertility that may be encountered in the practice of reproductive endocrinology. Ovarian causes such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, luteinized unruptured follicle, luteal phase defect, premature ovarian failure, and endometriosis, are discussed together with tubal and uterine causes of infertility. By using illustrative images, the reader will be able to correlate findings on B-mode, color Doppler and 3D ultrasound with various causes of female infertility.