Ovarian follicular volume and follicular surface area are better indicators of follicular growth and maturation, respectively, than is follicular diameter
Received 22 February 2005; received in revised form 11 January 2008; accepted 11 January 2008. published online 18 March 2008.
Because ovarian follicular growth occurs in three dimensions, and because follicular maturation (increased E2) is a result of an increase in the three-dimensional follicular surface area where testosterone (E2 precursor)–producing theca interna cells are located, the three-dimensional follicular volume and the three-dimensional follicular surface area describe the three-dimensional follicular growth and maturation, respectively, more accurately than does the two-dimensional follicular diameter alone. Therefore, we present a mathematical model that describes the relationship of the two-dimensional follicular diameter, the three-dimensional follicular volume, and the three-dimensional follicular surface area to the three-dimensional follicular growth and maturation.
Florida Institute for Reproductive Sciences and Technologies, Weston, Florida
Reprint requests: Yalcin Yavas, Ph.D., Florida Institute for Reproductive Sciences and Technologies, 2300 N. Commerce Parkway, Suite 313, Weston, Florida, 33326-3257 (FAX: 954-217-3462).
Y.Y. has nothing to disclose. M.R.S. has nothing to disclose.
Presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 21–25, 2006.
ABSTRACT