Funding: The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and is also sponsored by the University of Birmingham.
Women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may require ovulation induction in order to help them conceive naturally. The aim of this research project is to look at which medicines are best to induce ovulation and result in a baby.
In order for a woman to conceive naturally, an egg needs to be released from her ovary. For women with PCOS, this does not always happen and therefore we need to give medicines to help the release of an egg. There are two drugs we can give to help release an egg; one is called ‘clomifene’ and another called ‘letrozole’. There is another drug called ‘metformin’ that can be given at the same time as these other drugs, but we are not sure if this carries any additional benefit.
At the moment there is not enough evidence to say which treatment is best for ovulation induction and a successful pregnancy outcome. The purpose of this study is to test which drugs are best. The knowledge gained from this project will inform future treatment and potentially lead to improved treatment for ovulation induction for women.