WS03: Infertility WS03‐01Selection of candidates for IVF based on color Doppler findings

Abstract

In the last 20 years there have been numerous improvements in IVF techniques leading to an exponetial increase in pregnancy rates. In spite of these improvements the patients undergoing IVF procedure still have more chance of failure than success. This presentation will address the areas in IVF treatment in which the use of color Doppler ultrasound could improve the results of IVF. Discussion will include the appropriate assessment of ovarian reserve as well as why the determination of the initial dose of gonadotropins based solely upon the patient's chronological age or serum FSH or E2 concentrations is imprecise. Recently, baseline ultrasound scans to assess for the presence of polycystic ovaries, and the use of color Doppler sonography to assess stromal perfusion have emerged as valuable tools in the assessment of the optimal dose selection of gonadotropins required for IVF ovarian stimulation. The issue of the assessment of oocyte maturity will additionally be discussed. Traditionally, follicular size has been used to assess oocyte maturity. However, frequently very poor oocytes are obtained from optimally grown follicles. It has been suggested that the assessment of peri‐follicular flow could potentially distinguish oocyte maturity in a superior manner than size of follicles. Finally, the value of measurement of endometrial thickness and its structure, as well as uterine and subendometrial flow in the assessment of endometrial receptivity will be discussed.