Ovulation induction in anovulatory women
La Marca, A.; Bertucci, E.; Giulini, S.; Tirelli, A.; Malavasi, B.; Volpe, A.
Minerva Ginecologica 58(6): 489-497
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4784 PMID: 17108879 Document Number: 604645
Ovulation induction therapy is administered to stimulate follicular growth and induce ovulation in anovulatory infertile women. In anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome, the treatment of choice is clomiphene citrate, whereas in clomiphene nonresponders, gonadotrophins are given as secondary therapy. Currently, insulin-sensitizing agents are used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome to restore menstrual cyclicity. In selected patients, laparoscopic drilling has also been suggested. In anovulatory patients affected with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, treatment is based on gonadotrophin replacement therapy or pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone infusion. In ovulation induction therapy the clinician's attention should be directed at restoring normal ovary function. When pharmacotherapy is required, monofollicular growth should be induced to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy.