Local side effects of subcutaneous and intramuscular urinary gonadotropins for ovarian stimulation in in vitro fertilization: a prospective, randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the incidence and severity of local side effects of urinary-derived gonadotropins administered s.c. and i.m..


METHODS
Prospective randomized study of women undergoing IVF treatment.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center for assisted reproduction.


METHODS
A total of 71 patients were randomized to receive gonadotropins by the s.c. (n = 41) or i.m. (n = 30) route.


METHODS
One cycle of IVF with gonadotropins administered either s.c. or i.m. for ovarian stimulation.


METHODS
Incidence and severity of local side effects, such as redness, itching, swelling, pain, and bruising.


RESULTS
Pain was the most common side effect, with 55.3% and 70.1% of i.m. and s.c. injections, respectively, resulting in pain. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of itching or bruising after i.m. and s.c. injections. Although there was a higher incidence of redness and swelling in the s.c. group compared with the i.m. group, most cases were classified as mild.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a significantly higher incidence of some local side effects after s.c. gonadotropin administration but most of these were mild and well tolerated by patients.
Engmann
L
L
The London Women's Clinic, United Kingdom.
Shaker
A
A
White
E
E
Bekir
J S
JS
Jacobs
H S
HS
Tan
S L
SL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000652:urine; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D008596:Menotropins