Adjusting clomiphene treatment to enhance pregnancy success

This study examined whether altering the dose and duration of clomiphene citrate (Clomid) treatment can enhance pregnancy success.

Clomiphene citrate (CC) is a drug used to treat infertility by inducing ovulation. It is the most commonly used drug to treat infertility as it is inexpensive, effective and safe. Although CC induces ovulation in 75-80% of women, not all women will become pregnant. CC can cause the unwanted side effect of decreasing the thickness of the endometrium (lining of the womb). This decrease in thickness can reduce the chances of pregnancy success. Using different doses and administering CC for a shorter time period may eliminate this reduction in endometrial thickness and enhance the rate of pregnancy success.

This study aimed to determine whether a higher dose and shorter duration of CC treatment can enhance the rate of pregnancy success when combined with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG, a treatment that triggers ovulation) injection and timed intercourse.

This study involved 114 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Participants were divided into two groups. 104 women received 150 mg CC for three days. 69 women received 100 mg CC for five days. CC was given to participants in both groups at day 3 of the menstrual cycle. Both groups also received an hCG injection. Timed intercourse was performed 24 and 48 hours after hCG injection.

Participants receiving 150 mg CC for three days had greater endometrial thickness (9.4 mm) on the day of hCG injection compared to the other group (8.5 mm). Participants receiving 150 mg CC for three days had a higher rate of pregnancy success (38.4%) compared to those receiving 100 mg CC for five days (21.7%).

This study concluded that treatment with CC for three days enhances the rate of pregnancy success in women with PCOS.

The sample size of 114 women was quite small.

Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of treatment with clomiphene citrate.