Combined metformin and clomiphene citrate versus laparoscopic ovarian diathermy for ovulation induction in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To compare the effect of combined metformin and clomiphene citrate (CC) with laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD) meant for ovulation induction in CC-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Two-hundred and eighty-two anovulatory women with CC-resistant PCOS were selected in this randomized controlled trial. Patients (n = 138) received combined metformin-CC for up to six cycles or underwent LOD (n = 144) with six months follow up. The outcome measures were: ovulation rate, midcycle endometrial thickness, pregnancy and miscarriage rates.

RESULTS

Ovulation occurred in 386/576 cycles (67%) in the combined metformin-CC group and 381/558 cycles (68.2%) in LOD group without a significant difference between the groups. Resumption of regular menstruation was similar in both groups. A significant increase in midcycle endometrial thickness was observed in the combined metformin-CC group (9.2 ± 1.2 mm vs 7.6 ± 1.1 mm) (P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate was similar in both groups (15.4% vs 17%), and there were no statistically significant differences regarding the miscarriage rate between both groups. Four twin pregnancies occurred in the metformin-CC group. No ovarian hyperstimulation occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined metformin-CC and LOD are equally effective for inducing ovulation and achieving pregnancy in CC-resistant PCOS patients.