Does ovarian stimulation affect uterine artery impedance?
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effect of induction of ovulation on uterine perfusion.


METHODS
In 42 infertile women transvaginal color Doppler was performed at days 16-21 of a spontaneous ovulatory cycle and prior to embryo transfer in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Indication for treatment was mainly tubal or unexplained infertility.


RESULTS
Uterine artery pulsatility index was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in IVF than in natural cycles, 3.24 +/- 0.72 2.64 +/- 0.53 (mean +/- SD), with a mean reduction of 18%. The reduction was higher, although not significantly, in the women who conceived (20%) than in those who did not (15%), and in those with a basal PI > 3.0 (20%) as opposed to those with normal values (16%). The percentage reduction correlated with patient age and with estradiol concentration, number of follicles, and oocytes recruited.


CONCLUSIONS
Induction of superovulation reduces impedance to flow in the uterine circulation. The amplitude of this effect appears to be regulated partially by patient age and by effectiveness of ovarian stimulation.
Cacciatore
B
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Tiitinen
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001158:Arteries / Q000378:metabolism; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D010060:Ovulation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology*
D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol