Evaluation of transvaginal sonography combined with a urinary luteinizing hormone monitor in timing donor insemination.

There remains controversy as to the most accurate method of predicting ovulation for the timing of donor insemination. In a prospective study based at a tertiary referral donor insemination clinic we have assessed the ability of a urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) kit combined with vaginal ultrasonography to predict ovulation for donor insemination. A total of 25 natural cycles were monitored from the first day of the LH surge (detected by the urinary kit). Daily transvaginal sonographic measurement of follicular size and endometrial thickness were used to predict ovulation; monitoring continued until post-ovulatory changes were seen. Transvaginal sonography combined with a urinary LH kit successfully predicted all those women who ovulated (20/25) and detected unfavourable conditions for insemination in the remaining 20% (5/25). In conclusion, where available transvaginal sonography combined with a urinary LH kit should be the method of choice for timing donor insemination.