Ovulation Index Research Articles

Artificial reproduction of Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus following stimulating ovulation with Ovaprim, Ovopel, and their combinations under controlled conditions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of different hormonal agents and their combinations for spawning induction of females Caspian roach, Rutilus caspicus. Five groups of fish were injected intraperitoneally as follows: two injections of Ovaprim (T1), two injections of Ovopel (T2), a priming dose of Ovopel with a resolving dose of Ovaprim (T3), a priming dose of Ovaprim with a resolving dose of Ovopel (T4), and two injections of sterile 0.9% NaCl solution as a control group. The results showed that no fish ovulated in the control group. In hormone-treated groups, no differences were observed in ovulation success (P > 0.05). The shortest latency time and highest working and relative fecundities were observed in fish stimulated with two injections of Ovaprim (T1 group). The mean values of fertilization success in treated fish were in the range of 87.9–93.1% and the highest values were observed in T3 and T1 groups (P < 0.05). The best results in terms of ovulation index (92.1%), hatching rate (93.7%), and survival up to the eyed egg stage (89.4%) were achieved after administering two injections of Ovaprim (T1 group). There were no significant differences in the incubation time and embryos survival rates up to absorbing the yolk sac among different groups (P > 0.05). Overall, the best results of controlled reproduction of Caspian roach were obtained after using two injections of Ovaprim. Consequently, the Ovaprim is more suitable for restocking and aquaculture purposes of endangered populations of Caspian roach.

Multiple failures in the lutenising hormone surge generating system in GABAB1KO female mice.

Female mice lacking GABAB receptors, GABAB1KO, show disrupted oestrous cycles, reduced pregnancies and increased hypothalamic Gnrh1 mRNA expression, whereas anteroventral periventricular/periventricular preoptic nucleus (AVPV/PeN) Kiss1 mRNA was not affected. In the present study, we characterise the important components of the gonadotrophic preovulatory surge, aiming to unravel the origin of this reproductive impairment. In GABAB1KO and wild-type (WT) females, we determined: (i) hypothalamic oestrogen receptor (ER)α and β and aromatase mRNA and protein expression; (ii) ovulation index and oestrus serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and pituitary Gnrh1r expression; (iii) in ovariectomised-oestradiol valerate-treated mice, we evaluated ex vivo hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility in the presence/absence of kisspeptin (Kiss-10, constant or pulsatile) and oestradiol (constant); and (iv) in ovariectomised-oestradiol silastic capsule-treated mice (proestrous-like environment), we evaluated morning and evening kisspeptin neurone activation (c-Fos+) and serum luteinising homrone (LH). In the medial basal hypothalamus of oestrus GABAB1KOs, aromatase and ERα mRNA and protein were increased, whereas ERβ was decreased. In GABAB1KOs, the ovulation index was decreased together with decreased first oestrus serum FSH and increased pituitary Gnrh1r mRNA. Under constant Kiss-10 stimulation, hypothalamic GnRH pulse frequency did not vary, although GnRH mass/pulse was increased in GABAB1KOs. In WTs, pulsatile Kiss-10 together with constant oestradiol significantly increased GnRH pulsatility, whereas, in GABAB1KOs, oestradiol alone increased GnRH pulsatility and this was reversed by pulsatile Kiss-10 addition. In GABAB1KOs AVPV/PeN kisspeptin neurones were similarly activated (c-Fos+) in the morning and evening, whereas WTs showed the expected, marked evening stimulation. LH correlated with activated kisspeptin cells in WT mice, whereas GABAB1KO mice showed high, similar LH levels both in the morning and evening. Taken together, all of these alterations point to impairment in the trigger of the preovulatory GnRH surge that entails the reproductive alterations described.

Breeding response and larval quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822) using different hormones/hormonal analogues with dopamine antagonist

A study was made to investigate the effects of using carp pituitary extract (CPE), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogues (LHRHa) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), with or without dopamine antagonist; domperidone (Dom). The results obtained demonstrated that the use of CPE, HCG, LHRHa or GnRHa together with dopamine antagonist (Dom) successfully induced ovulation in 100% of the experimental Clarias gariepinus broodfish. The highest ovulation index (70.76%) was observed in GnRHa plus Dom treated group. Broodfish of LHRHa treated group showed the lowest ovulation index (12.64%). The application of Dom plus GnRHa (T10) resulted in synchronization of ovulation (Latency period; 15.21h) because the variation in this group was very low compared with other groups. Results of the fertilization percentage indicated that addition of dopamine antagonist (Dom) successfully increased fertilization rate on the GnRHa, HCG, and CPE-treated broodfish. Overall superiority of GnRHa plus Dom in spawning induction was proved by significant high hatchability, low deformed larvae and high survival rate percentages (81.9%, 2.1% and 89.9% respectively).

Ovulation and spawning induction in Caspian kutum Rutilus frisii kutum by administration of GnRHa and catecholaminergic pharmaceutical compounds with Ovaprim

The acceleration of final oocyte maturation and ovulation is recognized as a principal process in Caspian kutum Rutilus frisii kutum, a commercial and valuable species in Caspian Sea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of catecholaminergic pharmaceutics which include Salbutamol (β2-adrenergic receptor agonist), Metoprolol (β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist), Clozapine and Olanzapine (the third generation of D4 and D2 dopamine receptor antagonists) which can be more efficient than the first and second generations, in combination with Buserelin ([D-Ser(tBu)6,Pro9-NEt]-GnRHa) and Ovaprim (D-Ala6,Pro9-Net)-sGnRH+Domperidone on ovulation and spawning induction in Caspian kutum. One hundred eight adult females were injected once with Buserelin Acetate (BUS) 5 μg kg−1 BW, Ovaprim 0.5 mL kg−1 BW, Salbutamol Sulphate (SLB) 4 mg kg−1 BW, Olanzapine (OLZ) 5 mg kg−1 BW, Clozapine (CZ) 12 mg kg−1 BW and Metoprolol Tartrate (MTP) 5 mg kg−1 BW, being divided into 12 groups: group 1, intact (negative control); group 2, Ovaprim (positive control); group 3, OLZ+SLB; group 4, OLZ+MTP; group 5, OLZ+BUS; group 6, CZ+SLB; group 7, CZ+MTP; group 8, CZ+BUS; group 9, OLZ+BUS+SLB; group 10, OLZ+BUS+MTP; group 11, CZ+BUS+SLB and group 12, CZ+BUS+MTP (N = 9). The results showed that the highest mean value in ovulation success, ovulation index, fertilization success, relative fecundity and the number of eggs belonged to Ovaprim treatment. On the other hand, spawning was successful in OLZ+BUS+SLB and CZ+BUS treatments (P < 0.05), whereas it was lower in CZ+MTP, CZ+BUS+MTP and OLZ+BUS than the other treatments. Therefore, it could be concluded that Clozapine and Olanzapine potentiated the effect of Buserelin treatment in ovulation and spawning induction, while Metoprolol blocked the stimulatory effects of GnRHa, Clozapine and Olanzapine. Salbutamol also can amplify stimulatory effect of all mentioned pharmaceutics.

Seasonal Reproductive Biology and Artificial Propagation of Female African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) After Hormonal Stimulation

The use of exogenous hormones to induce final oocyte maturation, ovulation, and spawning has becomecommonplace in the reproductive protocols for many species. In the present study, African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)were monthly collected from January to December 2011 for studying their monthly reproductive biology. Also,hormonal stimulation was done using ovaprim, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and salmon gonadotropinreleasing hormone analog (GnRHa). However, fish (337.2 – 718.0 g) were divided into seven groups (each groupcontained four females and four males) and injected into the dorsal musculature by 0.4, 0.5 ml kg -1 Ovaprim, 1000,3000 IU kg -1 hCG, and 0.75, 1 ml kg -1 GnRHa. The control group was injected by 0.9% saline. At the dosage tested,gonado-somatic index (GSI), absolute fecundity, ovulation index, egg diameter, fertilization rate were significantlyaffected in all stimulated groups. It was found that the hormonal treatments are a useful method for commercial Africancatfish breeders to ensure the continuity of access larvae. However, the best reproductive performance was obtained at0.5 ml kg -1 ovaprim, 3000 IU kg -1 hCG, and 0.75 ml kg -1 GnRHa.

Anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count for prediction of ovarian stimulation response in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the ability of a combination of multiple ovarian reserve markers to predict ovarian stimulation response in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: On cycle Day 3 of 75 infertile patients with PCOS, serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured, and antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian volume (OV) were evaluated by transvaginal sonography (TVS). All patients underwent the same mild ovarian stimulation protocol using clomiphene citrate and highly purified FSH. Ovulation was monitored by TVS and confirmed by midluteal serum progesterone level.Results: AMH, AFC, and “ovulation index” [OI, serum AMH (ng/ml) × bilateral AFC] were significantly lower in the ovulatory group (n = 57, 76%) compared with the anovulatory group, whereas LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio, and OV were not significantly different. Using receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the OI at a cutoff value of “85” had a sensitivity of 73.7% and a specificity of 72.2% in the prediction of ovulation, with an area under the curve of 0.733. Patients with OI < 85 had significantly higher ovulation rate (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The OI, combining both AMH and AFC, is a potentially useful predictor of the outcome of ovarian stimulation in PCOS.

Effect of GnRHa, pimozide and Ovaprim on ovulation and plasma sex steroid hormones in African catfish Clarias gariepinus

Nine groups each of four fish were injected with a single intramuscular dose of the following preparations: Physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) as a control group, 0.5 ml kg−1 Ovaprim, 20 and 40 μg kg−1 BW of GnRHa, 8 and 16 mL kg−1 pimozide tablets and the following combination of GnRHa with pimozide (GP): 20 μg + 4 mg, 30 μg + 8 mg and 40 μg + 16 mg kg−1 BW. The primary oocyte diameter (POD) before hormone administration ranged from 943.3 to 1071.0 μm. The latency periods (LP) were in the range of 9.0 to 12.0 h after injection. The highest ovulation ratio (OR) was observed in groups Ovaprim, GP(30 + 8) and GP(40 + 16). Other treatments were effective for ovulation, the ovulation ratio in Groups G(40) and GP(20 + 4) were significantly higher than G(20) treatment. The ovulation index (OI) was in the range 62 to 77% and showed significant differences among groups. There was no significant difference in fertilization ratio (FR) among Ovaprim, GP(30 + 8) and GP(40 + 16) groups, while there were significant difference between the previous group and G(20) and G(40) groups. Control, P8, P16 showed negative results in all the parameters LP, OED, OR, OI and FR. Levels of sex steroids were analyzed on 6 and 12 h after initiation of treatments. A significant increase in plasma E2 with GP(30 + 8) injection was observed 6 and 12 h after injection, while there were no significant increase between all the other groups 6 h after injection. Treatments with GP(20 + 4) resulted in a significant increase in plasma T concentration in females compared with control after 6 h. In contrast, plasma T and E2 concentrations were lower during the combined GP(20 + 4), GP(30 + 8) and GP(40 + 16) after 12 h than after 16 h of injection. The combined treatments (GnRHa + PIM) are better compared with Ovaprim which gave the same results, they have some advantages, such as reliable response and low cost. Ovaprim is more than 3 to 5-fold of the cost of (GnRH + PIM). Therefore, this method could be useful tool for commercial catfish breeders to ensure spawning success.

Menopause occurs late in life in the captive chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

Menopause in women occurs at mid-life. Chimpanzees, in contrast, continue to display cycles of menstrual bleeding and genital swelling, suggestive of ovulation, until near their maximum life span of about 60 years. Because ovulation was not confirmed hormonally, however, the age at which chimpanzees experience menopause has remained uncertain. In the present study, we provide hormonal data from urine samples collected from 30 female chimpanzees, of which 9 were old (>30 years), including 2 above the age of 50 years. Eight old chimpanzees showed clear endocrine evidence of ovulation, as well as cycles of genital swelling that correlated closely with measured endocrine changes. Endocrine evidence thus confirms prior observations (cyclic anogenital swelling) that menopause is a late-life event in the chimpanzee. We also unexpectedly discovered an idiopathic anovulation in some young and middle-aged chimpanzees; this merits further study. Because our results on old chimpanzees validate the use of anogenital swelling as a surrogate index of ovulation, we were able to combine data on swelling and urinary hormones to provide the first estimates of age-specific rates of menopause in chimpanzees. We conclude that menopause occurs near 50 years of age in chimpanzees as it does in women. Our finding identifies a basic difference between the human and chimpanzee aging processes: female chimpanzees can remain reproductively viable for a greater proportion of their life span than women. Thus, while menopause marks the end of the chimpanzee's life span, women may thrive for decades more.

Induced ovulation of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) using a combination of a gonadotrop-releasing hormone analogue and domperidone

The effects of an intraperitoneal hormone injection of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (D-Ala6, Pro9-NEt GnRHa) alone or in combination with a dopamine antagonist, domperidone (DOM), on ovulation induction in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were tested. The hormone treatments were as follows: 6 mg kg−1 body weight (BW) of carp pituitary extract as a positive control, GnRHa 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg kg−1 BW and a combination of GnRHa and DOM as follows: 10 μg+5 mg, 20 μg+10 mg, 40 μg+20 mg and 80 μg+40 mg kg−1 BW. Physiological saline (0.7% NaCl) was used as a negative control. Significant differences in the ovulation ratio, latency period and ovulation index (OI) were observed among treatments (P<0.05). The combination of GnRHa and DOM at doses of 40 μg+20 mg kg−1 BW had higher values of the ovulation ratio and OI, and a shorter latency period compared with other treatments. The highest OI in GnRHa treatments was only 56.67%, suggesting a dopaminergic tone on gonadotropin secretion in this fish at the pre-ovulatory stage. Therefore, ovulation can be successfully induced in yellow catfish with 40 μg kg−1 GnRHa+20 mg kg−1 DOM without affecting the egg quality.

Effects of GnRHa (D-Ala 6, Pro 9-NEt) combined with domperidone on ovulation induction in wild loach Misgurnusanguillicaudatus

The effects of a single intramuscular injection of gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) alone or in combination with the dopamine antagonist domperidone (DOM) on ovulation induction of loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus broodstocks collected from the wild were tested under routine hatchery conditions. The ovulation ratio, latency period, ovulation index, fertilization success and hatching rate were evaluated. The following hormone treatments were tested: 2 mg kg − 1 BW of CPE as a positive control (PC), GnRHa alone at doses of 10 µg (G10), 20 µg (G20), 40 µg (G40) and 60 µg (G60) kg − 1 BW and combinations of GnRHa and DOM at doses of 5 µg + 2.5 mg (GD5), 10 µg + 5 mg (GD10), 20 µg + 10 mg (GD20) and 40 µg + 20 mg (GD40) kg − 1 , respectively. Physiological saline injected fish were used as a negative control (NC). The results showed that the combination of 20 µg + 10 mg (GD20) and 40 µg + 20 mg (GD40) kg − 1 of GnRHa and DOM, respectively, injection led to higher ovulation ratio and shorter latency periods in comparison with the control and the other hormone treatments ( P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two ovulating groups with respect to ovulation ratio and latency period ( P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the GnRHa alone groups and the GnRHa + DOM combined groups on the ovulation index (the former < the latter, P < 0.05), while no significant differences in the fertilization success and hatching rate were found in any of the hormone treatments ( P > 0.05). Only 20% of the fish ovulated in group G10 and G20, and no fish ovulated in group NC, suggesting a dopaminergic inhibitory action on gonadotropin (GtH) secretion in this fish at the preovulatory stage. Therefore, it can be concluded that like many other cyprinids, dopamine inhibitory action was operating in loach and it was necessary to combine GnRHa with a dopamine antagonist for ovulation induction. As a result, ovulation can be induced successfully in loach broodstocks with 20 µg kg − 1 GnRHa + 10 mg kg − 1 DOM treatment in a single injection without any negative effect on egg quality. Application of this combination could be beneficial for hatchery and broodstock management in loach culture.

Induced spawning of kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamenskii, 1901) using (D-Ala 6, Pro 9-NEt) GnRHa combined with domperidone

Kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamenskii, 1901), Cyprinidae is an endemic fish of the Caspian Sea. The Iranian Fisheries Organization (Shilat) produces up to 200 million fry (1–2 g b.w.) to restock the Caspian Sea population annually. These fish are produced by artificial breeding using carp pituitary extract (CPE). The objective of this study was to assay the effectiveness of a gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (D-Ala 6, Pro 9-NEt GnRH) alone or in combination with the dopamine antagonist domperidone (DOM) on spawning success, latency period, ovulation index (OI), weight of stripped egg mass/weight of stripped egg mass + remnant ovaries, and fertilization success in kutum. Ninety fish were divided into nine groups and injected intraperitoneally as follows: 2 mg kg − 1 b.w. of CPE as positive control, 20 μg GnRHa kg − 1 b.w. in single injection, 5 μg + 2.5 mg, 10 μg + 5 mg and 20 μg + 10 mg kg − 1 b.w. of GnRHa + DOM in single or double injection (10–90%) 24 h apart. Propylene glycol injected fish were used as negative controls. The results showed that the highest doses of GnRHa and DOM in single injection lead to higher spawning success and latency periods in comparison with positive control ( P < 0.05), while no significant differences in the OI and fertilization success were found ( P > 0.05). Only 2/10 fish were ovulated in the group which received GnRHa 20 μg kg − 1 b.w. alone suggesting dopaminergic tone on gonadotropin (GtH) secretion in this fish at the preovulation stage. Therefore, it can be concluded that like many other cyprinids, dopamine inhibitory tone is active in kutum and it is necessary to combine GnRHa with a dopamine antagonist for spawning induction.

Spawning induction in Kutum Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamenskii, 1901) using carp pituitary extract or GnRH analogue combined with metoclopramide

Kutum Rutilus frisii kutum (Kamenskii, 1901), Cyprinidae is an endemic fish of the Caspian Sea. Iranian Fisheries Organization (Shilat) produce up to 200 million fry (1-2 g body weight (b.w.)) to restock the Caspian Sea population annually. Some of these fry are produced by spawning induction in broodfish by carp pituitary extract (CPE). The objective of this study was to assay the effectiveness of the gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue ( [smallcapital d]-Ala⁶, Pro⁹-Net GnRH) alone or in combination with metoclopramide (MET), a dopamine antagonist, on the percentage of ovulated females, latency period, ovulation index and fertilization success. The following hormone treatments were tested: single injection of 2 mg kg⁻¹ b.w. of CPE as a positive control, GnRHa alone 20 and 40 μg kg⁻¹ b.w. and combination of GnRHa and MET as follows: 5 μg+2.5 mg, 10 μg+ 5 mg and 20 μg+10 mg kg⁻¹ b.w. Negative control group was injected with 0.7% saline. The percentage of ovulated females, ovulation index and fertilization success were 90%, 71.3±1.24%, 68.4±2.3%, respectively, in the group treated with GnRHa+MET at a dose of 20 μg+10 mg kg⁻¹ b.w. and were significantly higher than those in the positive control (60%, 64.5±0.23%, 69.1±4.5%) (P<0.05). However, the latency period in this group was longer than that in the positive control (P<0.05). Only 20% and 40% fish ovulated in groups that received 20 or 40 μg kg⁻¹ b.w. GnRHa. No fish ovulated in the negative control.

Guidelines for sperm donation

Guidelines for sperm donation

Induction of ovulation in endemic pearl mullet ( Chalcalburnus tarichi), living in the highly alkaline Lake Van, using GnRHa ([ d-Ser( tBu) 6,Pro 9-Net]-GnRH) combined with haloperidol

Pearl mullet ( Chalcalburnus tarichi) (Cyprinidae) is an endemic fish species of the Lake Van (Turkey), the largest soda lake (pH 9.8) on earth. During April–June, the spawning period of the fish, the mullet migrate from Lake Van to freshwater rivers around the lake and after spawning they return to the lake. This fish gives hope for improving the fishery in the alkaline environment deprived of other commercial fish species. The objective of this study was to find an optimal method for inducing ovulation of pearl mullet. Mammalian GnRH analogue (GnRHa at 60 μg/kg); dopamine antagonist, haloperidol (HAL at 1.5 mg/kg) and a combination of GnRHa and haloperidol (GnRHa+HAL) at low (20 μg/kg GnRHa and 0.5 mg/kg HAL) and high (60 μg/kg GnRHa and 1.5 mg/kg HAL) doses were tested for this purpose. Saline (0.7% NaCl) injected fish were used as a control group and no ovulation occurred in this group. Based on spawning ratio (the proportion of fish that spawned in each group), spawning index (the weight of eggs as a percentage of female body weight) and fertilization rate, the GnRHa+HAL combination at the high (60 μg/kg GnRHa and 1.5 mg/kg HAL) doses were found to be more efficient (7/7, 16.0±2.4, 86.0±10 respectively) than the low (20 μg/kg GnRHa and 0.5 mg/kg HAL) doses of GnRHa+HAL (3/7, 12.4±2.1, 54.5±6.5 respectively). No females ovulated in the treatment group receiving HAL at 1.5 mg/kg and GnRHa alone at 60 μg/kg. It is concluded that GnRHa+HAL (60 μg/kg+1.5 mg/kg) treatment is effective and reliable for induction of ovulation in pearl mullet broodstocks. Haloperidol improved the GnRHa effect on ovulation. GnRHa alone is not sufficient for spawning induction in the pearl mullet. The results indicate that in pearl mullet, similar to other cyprinids, there is a strong dopamine inhibitory tone on GtH secretion. In addition, the ovulation index and fertilization rates of eggs were influenced by the dosages of the applied GnRHa+HAL combination.

Guidelines for sperm donation

Guidelines for sperm donation

Ovulation induction in nase ( Chondrostoma nasus, Cyprinidae) using pituitary extract or GnRH analogue combined with domperidone

Changes to the natural character of European streams as a result of human activities was followed by the dramatic decrease of nase ( Chondrostoma nasus, Cyprinidae) populations. Techniques of induced spawning would help culturists to increase hatchery production and supplement insufficient natural reproduction. Spawning experiments showed that the mean ovulation index (weight of stripped egg mass×100/weight of stripped egg mass+remnant ovaries) was high and similar in females receiving either pituitary injection at a dose of 6 mg/kg BW (86.2±5.9%; mean±SD) or 20 μg/kg body weight (BW) mGnRHa ([ d-Ala 6, Pro 9-NEt]-mGnRH) combined with 10 mg/kg BW dopamine receptor antagonist, domperidone (85.5±4.7%). Females receiving pituitary injection at lower dose of 3 mg/kg BW ovulated partially (ovulation index: 55.9±7.8%). The mean fertilization rate was significantly higher for the group receiving mGnRHa and domperidone injections (83.5±5.6%) than for the groups receiving pituitary injections at a dose of 3 mg/kg BW (69.1±3.7%) or 6 mg/kg BW (74.7±6.0%). These results might be attributed to the different nature of the hormonal treatments. No females ovulated in the group receiving 20 μg/kg BW mGnRHa alone indicating that in nase, similar to other cyprinids, there is a strong dopamine inhibitory tone on GtH secretion.

Chronological aspects of ultrasonic, hormonal, and other indirect indices of ovulation

Objective To improve prediction of ovulation in normal cycles. Design Collection of women's characteristics and their menstrual cycles. Monitoring and analysis of time relationships between several indicators of ovulation: transvaginal ultrasonography, cervical mucus, basal body temperature, urinary luteinising hormone, and ratio of urinary oestrogen to progesterone metabolites. Setting Each of eight natural family planning clinics was to study 12 women for at least three cycles. Population One hundred and seven normally fertile and cycling women aged 18 to 45. Methods Daily measurements of urinary luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, oestrone-3-glucuronide and pregnanediol-3 α-glucuronide. Basal body temperature recording and cervical mucus checking. Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the ovaries. Main outcome measures Delays between the expected day of ovulation according to the luteinising hormone peak or to ultrasound evidence and the expected days according to the other indices of ovulation. Results Ultrasonography was able to show evidence of ovulation in 283 out of 326 cycles. The average time lag between luteinising hormone peak and ultrasound evidence was less than one day (+0.46) but premature and late luteinising hormone-expected date of ovulation were observed in nearly 10% and 23% of cycles, respectively. Basal body temperature rise was observed in 98% of cycles. Cervical mucus peak symptom, rapid drop in the ratio of urinary metabolites, and luteinising hormone initial rise were all close to ultrasonographic evidence in more than 72% of cycles. Conclusions For accuracy and practical reasons, the cervical mucus peak symptom, the ratio of urinary metabolites and luteinising hormone initial rise might be better indices of ovulation than the luteinising hormone peak.

Chronological aspects of ultrasonic, hormonal, and other indirect indices of ovulation.

To improve prediction of ovulation in normal cycles. Collection of women's characteristics and their menstrual cycles. Monitoring and analysis of time relationships between several indicators of ovulation: transvaginal ultrasonography, cervical mucus, basal body temperature, urinary luteinising hormone, and ratio of urinary oestrogen to progesterone metabolites. Each of eight natural family planning clinics was to study 12 women for at least three cycles. One hundred and seven normally fertile and cycling women aged 18 to 45. Daily measurements of urinary luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, oestrone-3-glucuronide and pregnanediol-3alpha-glucuronide. Basal body temperature recording and cervical mucus checking. Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the ovaries. Delays between the expected day of ovulation according to the luteinising hormone peak or to ultrasound evidence and the expected days according to the other indices of ovulation. Ultrasonography was able to show evidence of ovulation in 283 out of 326 cycles. The average time lag between luteinising hormone peak and ultrasound evidence was less than one day (+0.46) but premature and late luteinising hormone-expected date of ovulation were observed in nearly 10% and 23% of cycles, respectively. Basal body temperature rise was observed in 98% of cycles. Cervical mucus peak symptom, rapid drop in the ratio of urinary metabolites, and luteinising hormone initial rise were all close to ultrasonographic evidence in more than 72% of cycles. For accuracy and practical reasons, the cervical mucus peak symptom, the ratio of urinary metabolites and luteinising hormone initial rise might be better indices of ovulation than the luteinising hormone peak.

Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound indices of ovulation in spontaneous cycles

Objective: Evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of 4 ultrasound indices of ovulation. Study design: Multicenter collaborative study of 794 abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound scanning of ovaries performed during 271 cycles in 107 normally fertile women. Comparison of sensitivities and specificities of indices using McNemar test. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the indices were 84 and 89.2, respectively, for disappearance or sudden decrease in follicle size; 38.4 and 79.7 for appearance of ultrasonic echoes in the follicle; 61.6 and 87.1 for irregularity of follicular walls; 71.0 and 88.2 for appearance of free fluid in the cul-de-sac of Douglas. Conclusion: Ultrasonic echoes had a significantly lower sensitivity (P<0.001) and specificity (P<0.01) than other indices.

Timing of conception and the risk of spontaneous abortion among pregnancies occurring during the use of natural family planning

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to ascertain the effects of timing of conception on the risk of spontaneous abortion STUDY DESIGN: To assess these effects, women who conceived while using natural family planning were identified in five centers worldwide between 1987 and 1993. Timing of conception was determined from 868 natural family planning charts that recorded day of intercourse and indices of ovulation (cervical mucus peak obtained according to the ovulation method and/or basal body temperature). Conceptions on days — 1 or 0 with respect to the natural family planning estimated day of ovulation were considered to be “optimally timed,” and all other conceptions were considered as “non-optimally timed.” The rate of spontaneous abortions per 100 pregnancies was examined in relation to timing of conception, ages, reproductive history, and other covariates with bivariate and multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS: There were 88 spontaneous abortions among 868 pregnancies (10.1%). The spontaneous abortion rate was similar for 361 optimally timed conceptions (9.1%) and 507 non-optimally timed conceptions (10.9%). However, among 171 women who had experienced a spontaneous abortion in a prior pregnancy, the rate of spontaneous abortion in the index pregnancy was significantly higher with non-optimally timed conceptions (22.6%) as compared with optimally timed conceptions (7.3%). This association was not observed among 697 women with no history of pregnancy loss. The adjusted relative risk of spontaneous abortion among women with non-optimally timed conceptions and a history of pregnancy loss was 2.35 (95% confidence intervals 1.42 to 3.89). The excess risk of spontaneous abortion was observed with both preovulatory and postovulatory conceptions. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there is no excess risk of spontaneous abortion among the pregnancies conceived during natural family planning use. However, among women with a history of pregnancy loss, there is an increased risk of spontaneous abortion associated with preovulatory or postovulatory delayed conceptions.