Follicular development in spontaneous and stimulated cycles in women with minimal-mild endometriosis.
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.
Mahmood
T A
TA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill.
Messinis
I E
IE
Templeton
A
A
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*
D002996:Clomiphene; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone