Use of ethinyl estradiol to reverse the antiestrogenic effects of clomiphene citrate in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination: a comparative, randomized study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effectiveness of clomiphene citrate used alone and in combination with ethinyl E2 for the induction of ovulation in patients undergoing IUI.

DESIGN:

Randomized, double-blind study.

SETTING:

Four infertility treatment centers.

PATIENT(S):

Women aged 25-35 years with infertility of at least 2 years' duration and oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea associated with a positive menstrual response to an IM progesterone challenge.

INTERVENTION(S):

A total of 64 patients were randomized to treatment with CC (100 mg daily for 5 days) or CC (100 mg daily for 5 days) plus ethinyl E2 (0.05 mg daily for 5 days).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

The uterine artery pulsatility index, number of preovulatory follicles, endometrial thickness, and pregnancy rate.

RESULT(S):

Both treatment regimens increased FSH, LH, and 17beta-E2 levels, with no statistically significant differences. There was a statistically significant difference in endometrial thickness between the two treatment groups. No statistically significant differences were noted in pulsatility index values or in the number of preovulatory follicles.

CONCLUSION(S):

Ethinyl E2 can reverse the deleterious effects of CC on endometrial thickness, which may contribute to higher pregnancy rates.

• Authors: S Gerli, H Gholami, C Manna, A S Di Frega, C Vitiello, V Unfer, A Manna
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 73 Issue 1 Pg. 85-9 (Jan 2000) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10632418 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Clomiphene
• Ethinyl Estradiol
• Estradiol
• Luteinizing Hormone
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Topics

• Adult
• Clomiphene (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Endometrium (pathology)
• Estradiol (blood)
• Ethinyl Estradiol (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (blood)
• Humans
• Infertility, Female (pathology, therapy)
• Insemination, Artificial, Homologous
• Luteinizing Hormone (blood)
• Ovarian Follicle (pathology)
• Ovulation Induction
• Pregnancy
• Pulsatile Flow
• Uterus (blood supply)