[Localization of ovulation by contact thermography (author's transl)]

40 patients were examined by means of ELC-contact thermography in order to demonstrate hyperemic areas over the lower abdomen in relation to cycle day and localization of ovulation. Anovulatory women showed no change in the thermic pattern on repeated examinations. However, in 75% of infertile patients with proven ovulation marked hyperemia was demonstrated over one side of the lower abdomen at the time of ovulation and during the luteal phase. In 26 out of 63 recorded menstrual cycles intermenstrual dysmenorrhea was reported which corresponded with the localization of hyperemia 19 times. This simple and noninvasive method could therefore be used to demonstrate ovulation in infertile women. If artificial insemination is indicated in a patient with unilateral tubal stenosis this procedure could be limited to those menstrual cycles in which ovulation is demonstrated on the unaffected side.