Ultrasonic assessment of subsequent unexplained infertility after ovulation induction

The development of ovarian follicles was studied ultrasonographically in 21 cycles in eight infertile patients with the diagnosis of ovulatory dysfunction in whom conception did not occur after the defect had apparently been corrected. Pelvic ultrasound demonstrated three patterns in 20 of the 21 cycles studied: ovarian hyperstimulation in seven cycles; follicular atresia before ovulation in three cycles; persistent unruptured follicular cysts in 10 cycles. Recognition of these patterns has been helpful in modifying therapy in infertile patients.