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

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrates (CC) on inducing ovulation and on cyst persistence and size in women with functional ovarian cysts.Study designRandomized controlled trial.SettingUniversity Maternity Hospital.Subjects60 women in 2 equal groups.MethodsClomiphene citrates treatment, follicle scanning, hormonal assay.Main outcome measuresOvulation rate, pregnancy rate, cyst persistence, changes in cyst size.ResultsCC 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.ConclusionClomiphene citrates significantly increased ovulation, pregnancy and cyst persistence rates in women with functional ovarian cysts.