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Menstrual Pattern and Fertility After Treatment for Anovulatory Infertility
Author(s) -
Thomas A. K.,
Forrest M. S.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/j.1479-828x.1983.tb00159.x
Subject(s) - infertility , pregnancy , anovulation , fertility , medicine , ovulation , pregnancy rate , gynecology , obstetrics , ovulation induction , menstrual cycle , population , hormone , endocrinology , diabetes mellitus , biology , insulin resistance , genetics , environmental health , polycystic ovary
Summary: Sixty‐four patients who had been treated for anovulatory infertility and subsequently conceived were reviewed. Information was obtained on subsequent menstrual pattern, contraception used, treatment required to achieve a further pregnancy and the interval to any such pregnancy. Almost half the group had regular cycles following delivery but 2 patients had a recurrence of post oral contraceptive amenorrhoea. Most patients conceived without treatment within 2 years of the initial pregnancy but 10 again required ovulation induction. It is concluded that there is no long‐term irreversible suppression of hypothalamic function in this group of patients and, once a pregnancy has been achieved, the prognosis for future fertility without therapy is good. Anovulatory infertility generally has a favourable prognosis (Thomas and Forrest, 1980). However. follow‐up studies on menstrual function and fertility after the induced pregnancy are scarce. Nonetheless. such information is important if proper advice is to be given to the patient regarding her subsequeni fertility and contraceptive measures which may be required. With this in mind we undertook a follow‐up of patients with anovulatory infertility to ascertain their contraceptive practices and fertility after having had a pregnancy as a result of treatment. following delivery. In addition they were asked if they had conceived again and, if so, how long it took to do so and any treatment used to assist conception. At the time of follow‐up, the interval from completion of the index pregnancy to the survey varied from 1 to 7 years. Statistical analysis of the results was undertaken using Chi‐squared testing, after pooling small groups of similar data to allow for valid analysis.