title: Follicular development in spontaneous and stimulated cycles in women with minimal-mild endometriosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study follicle development in women with minimal-mild endometriosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  In women with endometriosis a spontaneous ovulatory cycle was compared with two subsequent cycles in which either clomiphene or clomiphene and FSH were given to stimulate folliculogenesis. Spontaneous cycles in women with tubal infertility provided a comparison group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Infertility clinic, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  17 women with minimal-mild endometriosis and 10 women with tubal infertility.
  
  
  METHODS
  The women with endometriosis were treated with 150 mg clomiphene citrate from days 2 to 6 in one cycle and in a subsequent cycle with 150 mg clomiphene citrate on days 2 to 6 plus 75 iu FSH daily thereafter.
  
  
  METHODS
  Follicular size measured daily using ultrasound. Serum FSH estimated on days 5 and 7 and then daily.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Spontaneous follicular growth in the women with endometriosis was similar to that in the women with tubal infertility. Follicular development began earlier in cycles with clomiphene/FSH and the leading follicle reached 16 mm 2 days sooner but the rate of growth was similar whether or not either regimen of stimulation was used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Follicular growth is not impaired by minimal-mild endometriosis. Infertility with this condition cannot be explained by altered follicular growth or responsiveness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Mahmood
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Messinis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Templeton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D002996:Clomiphene; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone