PMID 14667862 14667862 DOI 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.06.002 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.06.002
Cite this article
Tourgeman, D. E. (2003). Ovulation induction is not the same as superovulation: the effect of selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors. Fertility and Sterility, 80(6), 1333-4; discussion 1339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.06.002
Tourgeman DE. Ovulation induction is not the same as superovulation: the effect of selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors. Fertil Steril. 2003;80(6):1333-4; discussion 1339. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2003.06.002
Tourgeman, D. E. "Ovulation induction is not the same as superovulation: the effect of selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors." Fertility and Sterility, vol. 80, no. 6, 2003, pp. 1333-4; discussion 1339.
Induction of ovulation is indicated for anovulatory and amenorrheic women as well as for women who have an inadequate luteal phase. It is also indicated as a strategy for recruiting multiple follicles for women with unexplained infertility and those who are undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. The use of various agents and detection of ovulation are described. This includes a discussion of clomiphene citrate, bromocriptine, human menopausal gonadotropins, urinary follicle stimulating hormone and pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone therapy. Regimens, success rates and potential complications of each form of therapy are reviewed. Also discussed is the use of combination therapy and partial ovarian destruction.
InfertilityPharmacological AgentsNeuroendocrine ControlClomiphene Citrate and Gonadotropins
Attempts to induce ovulation have been made since the early 1920s, but the major breakthrough came in the early 1960s with the introduction of clomiphene citrate and the gonadotropins. Additional progress was made in the early 1970s with the introduction of bromocriptine and in the early 1980s with the introduction of pulsatile GnRH. At the present, 'pure' FSH and GnRH agonists are being evaluated as adjuncts to HMG for induction of ovulation. As more insight is gained in the neuroendocrine control of the ovulating cycle, we may soon be able to induce ovulation by direct manipulation of the central nervous system.
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2026·Fertility and Sterility
Current strategies for the assessment and treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss are discussed. This replaces the previous document, titled, "Evaluation and treatment a committee opinion," last published in 2012.
This narrative review examines the evidence for medical optimization of inflammatory conditions, vitamin deficiencies, endocrine disorders, immune dysregulation, oligo-ovulation, and luteal phase factors to improve fertility outcomes in women attempting to conceive through natural or timed intercourse. Overall, there is a paucity of data with respect to these categories among patients pursuing timed intercourse, precluding our ability to draw strong recommendations. However, there is strong evidence supporting treatment of endocrine disorders, specifically overt thyroid dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia, as well as oligo-ovulation. Conversely, treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism is not recommended. The current data are insufficient to support empiric use of antiinflammatory medications, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, or vitamins or supplements to improve chances of pregnancy in a general infertility population.