The induction of ovulation.

A treatment plan utilizing placebo, cyclical steroid therapy, clomiphene citrate, and human pituitary gonadotropin is outlined for the induction of ovulation in carefully selected potentially fertile women. Such a plan minimizes any risk with the potentially hazardous ovulatory stimulants. A total of 220 patients with secondary amenorrhea were studied and an etiologic basis for the condition was found in 98 (45 per cent). Of the 220, 190 were found suitable for the induction of ovulation, and together with 145 patients with oligomenorrhea and 17 patients with anovulation, entered the treatment plan. Ovulation was successfully induced in 351 of the 352 (99.5 per cent) and pregnancy in 218 (61.9 per cent). The success rates for the agents in the various conditions are presented and discussed.