title: Pelvic sonography to help determine the appropriate therapy for luteal phase defects.
abstract: In some series the most appropriate therapy for luteal phase defects is supplemental progesterone in the luteal phase. Clomiphene's efficacy is more controversial since in one series only 8% achieved a successful pregnancy versus 45% in another study. Pelvic sonography was used to evaluate follicular development and release of the ovum in 50 infertile women with luteal phase defects. The results showed that only 40% had "pure" luteal phase defects whereas 52% had immature follicles and 8% had unruptured follicles. Sixty-two percent of the patients had previous therapy for a luteal phase defect and failed to conceive. Sixty-eight percent of this group did conceive when ultrasound was used to determine the appropriate therapy. Thus ultrasound can be employed to determine if the women with a luteal phase defect should be treated with a fertility drug, e.g., clomiphene or just with luteal phase progesterone support. Supplemental progesterone might still be needed with clomiphene based on repeat endometrial biopsy results.
mesh_terms: D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008183:Luteal Phase; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D002996:Clomiphene; D001971:Bromocriptine; D011374:Progesterone