In the 1970s, I saw my first demonstration of an ovarian follicle on ultrasound examination using a B-scan or gray scale machine. To my untrained eyes, these pictures looked like a snowstorm in Siberia! These machines were soon destined to become museum pieces with the rapidly advancing technology of ultrasound detection. Today, nothing in the pelvis can evade detection and refinement has followed refinement, not only producing amazing resolution but also introducing the possibility of techniques based on ultrasound, invaluable in our everyday practice.

This beautifully produced book elegantly presents us with an update of exactly where we are today. The editors, Kannamannadiar Jayaprakasan and Sonal Panchal are to be congratulated in gathering expert contributors and producing a book of outstanding quality. It starts with a remarkably understandable explanation of ultrasound principles, applications and examination techniques with important tips on how to get the best from the machine and with suggestions that ultrasound examination may well replace invasive techniques of diagnostic hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. The detailed examination of the uterus that is then described, leaves no related pathology hidden and the following chapters deal with the investigation of female infertility with excellent illustrations of how to assess the uterine cavity, tubes and antral follicle count. These chapters introduce us to three-dimensional and color Doppler applications before moving on to ovarian pathology and pelvic endometriosis. The use of ultrasound is now irreplaceable for assisted reproduction treatment and the chapters on monitoring of treatment cycles and ultrasound-guided procedures are valuable contributions to our knowledge. The assessment of the complications of treatment and the application of ultrasound for male infertility are elegantly dealt with and the book concludes with an amazing description of three-dimensional techniques.

With contributions from the UK, India and Sweden, this is not merely a book on ultrasound but witnesses the progress that has been made in our field with a bang up-to-date report and all credit is due to the contributors and editors for providing us with such a valuable document.

Since the introduction of ultrasound as a medical diagnostic tool in the 1950s, there has been significant progress in the ultrasound technology. Development of high-frequency probes and refinements of ultrasound machines and associated softwares have helped to produce high-resolution images and thereby improving diagnostic capabilities. Introduction of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and automated techniques in the last decade have further improved image qualities and facilitated more objective and reproducible volume measurements. These improved gray scale ultrasound imaging along with Doppler technologies have been incorporated in almost all the fertility units around the world with an overall aim to improve the success of fertility treatments without compromising safety of subfertile couples. It is essential that all the health professionals involved in the care of subfertile couples are well-versed with pelvic ultrasound and its applications. This textbook is aimed to provide them a practical overview of how both basic and advanced ultrasound techniques can be applied in diagnosis and management of patients presenting to a fertility clinic.

We have tried to bring together a group of international experts to make each chapter as a guide for both inexperienced and experienced ultrasound practitioners to perform a high-quality ultrasound. We have taken utmost effort to provide plenty of ultrasound images and videos relevant to each clinical scenario to ease the learning process. We have adopted a systematic approach beginning with basic ultrasound principles, taking through correct examination techniques during a pelvic assessment, ultrasound screening of various uterine and adnexal pathologies, evaluation of tubal and ovarian function and application of ultrasound in monitoring treatment response, in assessing complications of fertility treatment and in guiding assisted reproduction treatment procedures. Special chapters are dedicated to provide an overview on the role of ultrasound in managing male infertility and also on 3D ultrasound techniques and its applications in subfertility.

We are extremely grateful to all the authors, who have submitted chapters for this book. We appreciate their valuable time and effort that they put in to provide such excellent contributions despite them being quite busy in their professional life. Further, we are so privileged and honored that Prof Roy Homburg has written Foreword for the book, after going through all the draft chapters. We are ever so grateful to him for his invaluable support.