Induction of Ovulation with Pulsatile LH-RH in Infertile Women

Abstract

In five women who had demonstrated repeatedly ovulatory cycles with insufficient luteal phases ovulation was supported by continuous intermittent administration of LH-RH, 5 μ g per 90 min, intravenously by means of a portable pump. All 18 induced cycles were ovulatory. The production of progesterone rose by 75% to 51 nM/1 during the midluteal phase. The duration of the luteal phase increased with 49% to 14 days.

One patient became pregnant, but aborted spontaneously 20 days postovulatory.

The only major side effect seen was an occasional superficial trombophlebitis.