Risks with gonadotrophins
The risks of gonadotrophin therapy are:
- multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets etc.): rates are higher with gonadotrophins than clomiphene.
- ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is more commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and accordingly for these women, the quantity of gonadotrophin administered should be reduced. Some units continue to monitor oestrogen levels in addition to ultrasound but it has been shown that ultrasound alone can be used safely and efficiently.
As with clomiphene (8), there is concern that gonadotrophin therapy may be associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer although the latest data does not support the earlier anxieties.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Treatment for infertility and risk of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer (1997)
- The feasibility of assessing women's perceptions of the risks and benefits of fertility drug therapy in relation to ovarian cancer risk (1997)
- Low multiple pregnancy rate in combined clomiphene citrate - Human menopausal gonadotropin treatment for ovulation induction or enhancement (1989)
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
