Effect of multiple follicular development on uterine perfusion in subsequent spontaneous cycles

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ovarian hyperstimulation on uterine perfusion during a subsequent natural cycle to evaluate if there is a long -term effect of treatment with,gonadotropins. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-five infertile couples were subjected to three cycles of multiple follicular development. Uterine bloodflow was determined during the follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase of the spontaneous cycle preceding and the one following the stimulated cycles. RESULTS: No significant difference teas present among pulsatility index (PI ) values in the two cycles. PI values (+/- SD) were 2.05 +/- 0.5, 2.28 +/- 0.4, 2.18 +/- 0.5, 2.13 +/- 0.4 and 2.00 +/- 0.5,respectively, in the pretr eatment cycle and 2.3 +/- 0.5, 2.56 +/- 0.6, 2.42 +/- 0.3, 2.37 +/- 0.4 and 2.29 +/- 0.5, respectively, in the posttreatment cycle. An inverse correla tion was found between PI values and estradiol in the follicular phase of t he first spontaneous cycle. As for radial and subendometrial arteries, no s ignificant difference tons present for PI values in the two cycles. CONCLUSION: Multiple follicular development seems not to have a long-term e ffect on uterine perfusion in the subsequent spontaneous cycle.