The aim of this review is to describe the imaging techniques available for radiological evaluation of infertility, including ultrasound (US), hysterosalpingogram (HSG), hysterosalpingocontrastsonography (HyCoSy) as well as standard cross-sectional imaging techniques. We also aim to demonstrate the imaging features of the common causes of infertility, using each of the above imaging modalities.

Infertility is defined as failure to conceive following 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse. It is a common issue in the general population, affecting approximately 1 in 7 of heterosexual couples in the UK. The potential causes of female infertility are numerous and may involve the fallopian tubes, peritoneum, endometrium, uterus, cervix, and ovaries. Therefore, imaging plays a crucial role in diagnostic work-up and treatment planning in female infertility.

Ultrasound Pelvic ultrasound, both abdominal and transvaginal is useful for the initial evaluation of infertility. It provides information on the echogenicity and size of the uterus, yielding information about the anatomy. US can detect uterine anatomical abnormalities, which can be further evaluated with MRI. Fibroids or leiomyoma may be detected on ultrasound. Figure 1 illustrates two large hypoechoic lesions in the fundus and body of the uterus, consistent with intramural fibroids. Structural information about the ovaries can be obtained, including sonographic evidence of polycystic ovarian...

Infertility is an important clinical problem encountered in the general population. This pictorial review describes the radiological techniques currently available for assessment of infertility and illustrates the imaging features of the commonly encountered causes of infertility.

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