Danazol for unexplained infertilty.
BACKGROUND
The androgen, Danazol, was developed in the 1970's as a treatment for endometriosis. Its use was soon advocated in women with unexplained infertility. Two randomized trials were subsequently conducted to assess the effectiveness of danazol in this population.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this review was to assess the effects of danazol on pregnancy rates in women with unexplained subfertility.


METHODS
The Cochrane Subfertility Review Group specialised register of controlled trials was searched.


METHODS
Randomised trials of danazol compared with placebo or no treatment in women with unexplained subfertility.


METHODS
Data were extracted by two reviewers.


RESULTS
Two trials involving 68 women were involved. There was no difference found in pregnancy rate between danazol and placebo (odds ratio 2.57, 95% confidence 0.53 to 12.46).


CONCLUSIONS
There is not enough evidence to evaluate the effect of danazol on pregnancy rates in women with unexplained subfertility. The need to use contraception during danazol treatment, adverse effects and costs are additional considerations.
Hughes
E
E
Rm HSC-4F7, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, McMaster University, 1200 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5. hughese@fhs.csu.mcmaster.ca
Tiffin
G
G
Vandekerckhove
P
P
D003613:Danazol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*
D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D003613:Danazol