ABSTRACT
In the last 20 years the use of gray-scale and Doppler ultrasound scanning has emerged as an indispensable tool in the assessment of pelvic structures, monitoring of follicular growth, endometrial development, and pelvic circulation in both natural and stimulated cycles. Additionally, procedures performed under ultrasound guidance, such as oocyte collection1 and more recently embryo transfer2 have to a large extent contributed to the simplification of IVF procedures which has facilitated easier, more economical and affordable treatment.3 This chapter will review: various ultrasound techniques currently in use; the value of performing a baseline ultrasound scan prior to the commencement of infertility therapy; its use in the assessment of pelvic morphology; and prediction of a patients’ response to ovarian stimulation. The use of ultrasound in the assessment of follicular maturity by assessing follicular size and perfusion, and the benefits of ultrasound assessment of the endometrial structure, uterine and subendometrial perfusion in the evaluation of its receptivity will also be examined. Finally the value of ultrasound controlled embryo transfer will be discussed.
