Clomiphene citrate versus letrozole with gonadotropins in intrauterine insemination cycles: A prospective randomized trial

Background: Clomiphene citrate is one of the effective drugs for infertilitytreatment due to oligo-ovulation or anovulation. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) isone of more adherent methods for treatment of infertile cases which is followed bycontrolled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate Clomiphene citrate versus letrozolewith gonadotropins in IUI cycles. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized trial, 180 infertile patientswho were referred to Milad Hospital were selected. The first group received 5mg/day letrozole on day 3-7 of menstrual cycle. The second group received 100mg/day Clomiphene in the same way as letrozole. In both groups, humanmenopausal gonadotropin was administered every day starting on day between 6-8of cycle. Ovulation was triggered with urinary Human Chorionic Gonadotropin(5000 IU) when have two follicles of ≥16 mm. IUI was performed 36 hr later. Results: The number of matured follicles, cycle cancellation, and abortion were thesame in both groups. Endometrial thickness was higher at the time of humanmenopausal gonadotropin administration in letrozole group. Chemical and clinicalpregnancy rates were much higher in letrozole group. Ovarian hyperstimulation wassignificantly higher in clomiphene group. Conclusion: Letrozole appears to be a good alternative to clomiphene citrate withfewer side effects.