The use of transvaginal ultrasonography in the evaluation of luteal phase endometrium.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the use of transvaginal ultrasonography, a non invasive method, for the evaluation of endometrium, to diagnose luteal phase insufficiency.

Design: Prospective, randomized, clinical study.

Setting: Human volunteers in an infertility clinic.

Patients: Patients who applied to the infertility clinic undergoing diagnostic procedures for their complaints.

Interventions: Follicle maturation, ovulation and endometrial grades were studied with transvaginal ultrasonography. Endometrial sampling was performed during midluteal and late luteal phase. Progesterone and estradiol levels were measured in the blood drawn on the sampling day.

Main outcome measures: Endometrial grade, histopathology, estradiol and progesterone levels.

Results: In both groups, as the endometrial grades increased, the rate of normal histopathological results increased significantly. There was no statistically significant correlation between endometrial thickness and progesterone and estradiol levels.

Conclusions: Evaluation of stromal maturation with ultrasonography is successful, but cannot replace endometrial sampling in evaluating luteal phase endometrium.