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• Synthetic gonadotropins (Humegon, Repronex) - Synthetic gonadotropins act directly on the ovary and are identical to those produced by the body. They induce follicular development and ovulation thereby increasing the likelihood of conception. The most common gonadotropins used for ovulation induction for women with PCOS include:

  • synthetic FSH
  • human menopausal gonadotropin - contains both synthetic FSH and LH
  • human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Adverse side effects of gonadotropins include:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or stomach pain
• Swelling or rash at the site of injection
• Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - a potentially serious condition caused by excessive stimulation (overstimulation) of the ovaries. This can result in blood clots, kidney damage, ovarian twisting (torsion), and buildup of fluid in the chest and abdomen. Women receiving gonadotropins must be monitored very carefully. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is more likely to occur with this type of therapy than with clomiphene citrate.

Disadvantages of gonadotropin therapy include:

• Administered by injection
• Expensive
• Elevated risk of multiple gestations
• Increased risk of OHSS