Changes in endometrial thickness, width, length and pattern in predicting pregnancy outcome during ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the clinical features of the endometrium as observed by transvaginal high resolution sonography are predictive of pregnancy outcome in in vitro fertilization cycles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-five patients undergoing in vitro fertilization were included in this prospective controlled study. Endometrial thickness, width, length, growth and pattern during the follicular and early luteal phases of stimulated cycles were assessed using transvaginal ultrasound by an operator who was blinded to the protocol of stimulation and to the type of assisted reproductive technology treatment. The relationship between these findings and embryo implantation and pregnancy outcome was examined. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in endometrial thickness, width, length, growth and pattern in conception compared to non-conception cycles. The endometrial growth and its pattern transformation during the stimulation did not influence the pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION: The endometrial features as assessed by transvaginal ultrasound do not provide significant prognostic information with regard to the outcome of in vitro fertilization.