Doppler ultrasound investigation of uterine and ovarian blood flow in infertility and early pregnancy.

This review describes the current use of Doppler ultrasound to examine blood flow in the uterus and ovaries in infertile patients and during early pregnancy. The basics of Doppler ultrasound and the different methods of measuring blood flow are discussed from the viewpoint of the clinician who may be unfamiliar with Doppler physics and terminology. Normal values in the menstrual cycle and the relationship of uterine and ovarian blood flow to infertility and to implantation following in-vitro fertilization are presented. Normal values for uterine blood flow in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy and the effect of sex steroids and ovulation induction on their values are described. The possible relationship of defective uterine blood flow to recurrent abortion is examined. New areas of investigation, such as the effect of standing on blood flow, and the effect of drugs are explored. The findings of this review indicate that Doppler blood flow studies may provide significant information about possible causes of some disorders of infertility and early pregnancy and methods of treatment for the same.