Vaginal ultrasound in assisted reproduction

Vaginal scanning of the ovaries and the uterus is a diagnostic and monitoring tool of utmost importance in assisted conception. Although the value of ultrasound for monitoring follicular growth has been questioned, few groups working on assisted conception do not use it. Follicle aspiration under the guidance of vaginal sonography is the method of choice. With such a simple and safe technique available, using laparoscopy for retrieving oocytes for assisted conception cannot be justified. The introduction of ultrasound-guided transvaginal retrograde tubal catheterization has meant that laparoscopic GIFT and ZIFT procedures will probably soon be unnecessary. Vaginal sonography is one of the most clinically important diagnostic instruments in assisted conception.