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Published on: September 15, 2012
[Prediction of ovulation by urinary LH surge]
T Kawano1, K Matsuura, R Honda
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine.
Urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) assays effectively predict ovulation in spontaneous cycles. However, in ovulation induction cycles, monitoring follicle size with ultrasonography is crucial alongside urinary LH testing.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Clinical Biochemistry
Background:
- Predicting ovulation is essential for infertility treatment and reproductive health.
- Urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) assays offer a non-invasive method for ovulation prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of semi-quantitative urinary LH assays in predicting ovulation.
- To compare urinary LH levels with serum LH, serum estradiol (E2), and follicle development via ultrasound across different cycle types.
Main Methods:
- 35 cycles (32 infertile women) were studied, including spontaneous, clomiphene, cyclofenil, and hMG-induced cycles.
- Urine samples were collected thrice daily for LH assay.
- Blood samples were collected twice daily for serum LH and E2 determination; follicle growth was monitored by ultrasound.
Main Results:
- In spontaneous cycles, urinary LH strongly correlated with serum LH and E2, with ovulation occurring 1.9 days after the LH surge.
- In induced cycles, no significant correlation was found between urinary LH and serum markers; the time to ovulation was prolonged.
- Urinary LH testing is reliable for spontaneous cycles, but requires ultrasonographic monitoring in ovulation induction cycles.
Conclusions:
- Semi-quantitative urinary LH assays are valuable for predicting ovulation in natural cycles.
- Ultrasonography is necessary for monitoring follicle development in ovulation induction cycles to accurately time interventions.
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