No. 362-Ovulation Induction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

To review current non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

This guideline reviews the evidence for the various options for ovulation induction in PCOS.

Ovulation, pregnancy and live birth rates, risks, and side effects are the outcomes of interest.

Published literature was retrieved through searches of Medline using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words spanning from 2000 to 2016. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and of health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies.

The evidence gathered was reviewed and evaluated by the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Committee of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. The quality of evidence was quantified using the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

Benefits include weight reduction and improvements in ovulation, pregnancy, and live birth rates. Potential harms include medication side effects and multiple pregnancies.

These guidelines have been reviewed and approved by the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Committee of the SOGC.

First line management of infertility once a diagnosis of PCOS is made should include weight loss and exercise with goals to below class 2 obesity (BMI <35 kg/m²) as applicable. Subsequently, first line medical therapy for ovulation induction should include aromatase inhibitors (now considered both safe and effective) and selective estrogen receptor modulators as available. Insulin sensitizers should not be used as first line therapy but as adjuncts as appropriate. Referral to a reproductive endocrinologist should be considered if there is failure or resistance to these approaches to consider ovulation induction with gonadotropins or IVF as appropriate.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.