"Timing" of ovulation by laparoscopy and evaluation of some physico-chemical parameters.

The laparoscopic aspects of human ovulation are correlated with the evaluation of basal body temperature the total urinary estrogens pregnanediol urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) and some values of 17beta-estradiol 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone. 39 patients with ascertained ovulation were charted for cervical mucus and basal body temperature and 24-hour urines and blood specimens were collected daily. An endometrial biopsy was performed at the time of laparoscopy and 5-9 days later. It was possible to establish the time of ovulation between Days +1 and +2 in 80% of the cases studied. The peak of estrogenuria corresponds to the lowest temperature and the LH peak is present at Day +2. In 4 cases studied the 17beta-estradiol presents a peak 24-60 hours before ovulation. If individual cases are considered the 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone peak was recorded on Days -2 0 and +1. The increase in the plasma progesterone starts on Day +1. The basal body temperature is still one of the best parameters to determine time of ovulation.