title: Ovulation induction with clomifene: a primary care perspective.
abstract: Infertility affects one in seven couples during their lifetime. Approximately one-quarter of these will have an ovulatory disorder contributing to their inability to conceive. Ovulatory disorders represent the simplest form of infertility to treat, and where this is not a result of ovarian failure or poor ovarian reserve most women require ovulation induction with clomifene citrate (CC). This review aims to examine the role of CC in a general practice setting. CC is a simple, relatively safe, easily administered and well-tolerated efficacious drug. There is, however, a 10% risk of multiple births associated with its use. CC has been used in general practice for many years and continues to be used. Currently, guidelines do not describe its use in the general practice setting and the evidence for monitoring its use with mid-luteal progesterone estimation or ultrasound scanning is conflicting.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. scott.wilkes@newcastle.ac.uk
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilkes
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murdoch
mesh_terms: D002996:Clomiphene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D011320:Primary Health Care; D018570:Risk Assessment; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D002996:Clomiphene