Clomiphene citrate plus tamoxifen versus laparoscopic ovarian drilling in women with clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective

To compare the efficacy of clomiphene citrate (CC) plus tamoxifen with that of laparoscopic ovarian drilling in clomiphene-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Method

We randomly allocated 150 women with CC-resistant PCOS to a combined medication group (group 1) or a laparoscopic surgery group (group 2). The primary outcome was the live birth rate in each group; secondary outcomes were the rates of ovulation, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups regarding rates of ovulation (81.3% vs 85.3%), pregnancy (53.3% vs 50.7%), or live births (49.3% vs 44.0%), but the mean endometrium thickness was significantly greater on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin administration in group 1 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Clomiphene citrate plus tamoxifen was as effective as laparoscopic ovarian drilling in promoting ovulation and pregnancy.