Historical background and review of drugs and methods used for induction of ovulation : Part I

Abstract EN

Infertility is distressing life crises for many couples.

Of the 15 % of childless couples around the world approximately 15-25 % is due to ovulating disturbances.

Ovulation induction (0I) therefore strives to redress ovulation problems by replicating the natural physiology of the cyclic ovarian function, with the goal of achieving ovulation of single or more mature follicles.

Since the first ever successful induction of ovulation using extract of human cadaver pituitary glands in 1958, there have been substantial advances in the management of anovulatory infertility and an improved insight into the physiology of the micro environments of ovulation.

Progressively, the need for new and effective methods for ovulation induction became more intense particularly with the introduction of In Vitro Fertilization procedures in clinical practice.

During the last five decades, a large inventory of hormonal therapies for OI and many management protocols have been presented, but more importantly was the new understanding of the varieties of ovarian dysfunctions and the pathophysiology of ovulation failure.

The objective of this mini review article is to inform the readers about the current practical approaches in management of ovulation induction addressing the costs, risks, and critical evaluation of their effectiveness.