The use of clomiphene citrates for ovulation induction in women with functional ovarian cysts

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrates (CC) on inducing ovulation and on cyst persistence and size in women with functional ovarian cysts. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: University Maternity Hospital. Subjects: 60 women in 2 equal groups. Methods: Clomiphene citrates treatment, follicle scanning, hormonal assay. Main outcome measures: Ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, cyst persistence, changes in cyst size. Results: CC increased both ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with functional ovarian cysts (56.7% versus 13.3%, p < 0.000 for ovulation and 23.0% versus 6.7%, p < 0.000 for pregnancy). CC also increased cyst persistence rate especially in cases achieving pregnancy (30% versus 6.7%, p < 0.000) but did not increase the size of the cyst, or cause complications in it. Conclusion: Clomiphene citrates significantly increased ovulation, pregnancy and cyst persistence rates in women with functional ovarian cysts.

Keywords

• Functional ovarian cyst
• Ovulation induction
• Clomiphene citrates