Anovulatory infertility is a common feature of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Clomiphene citrate (CC) represents the first therapeutic option for treating the anovulatory
infertility in PCOS patients because it is characterized by low costs, limited dose-dependent
side effects, and simplicity of administration and management due to no need for ongoing
monitoring.
Excellent results in terms of ovulations have been obtained using CC. However, only 50% of
patients who ovulates under CC will conceive. The exact explanation for the discrepancy
between the ovulation and pregnancy rates is unknown, but several hypotheses on the
anti-estrogenic effects that CC exerts on the ovary and uterus have been suggested.
To date, few data are available on the optimal schedule for CC administration, and it is
unknown how long patients who ovulate under CC should continue treatment before switching to
second-line ovulation induction therapy. The aim of the study was to define the clinical
benefits of CC administration according to its duration of administration.