Danazol for unexplained infertility (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 15 February 1996. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: The androgen, Danazol, was developed in the 1970's as a treatment for endometriosis. Its use was soon advocated in women with unexplained infertility. Two randomized trials were subsequently conducted to assess the effectiveness of danazol in this population.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of danazol on pregnancy rates in women with unexplained subfertility.

Search strategy: We searched the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's Specialised Register of Controlled Trials (searched 16 May 2002) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2002) and no new trials were found. The original search for this review was performed in 1995 and found two trials.

Selection criteria: Randomised trials of danazol compared with placebo or no treatment in women with unexplained subfertility.

Data collection and analysis: Data were extracted by two reviewers.

Main results: Two trials involving 68 women were involved. There was no difference found in pregnancy rate between danazol and placebo (odds ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval 0.53 to 12.46).

Reviewers' conclusions: There is not enough evidence to evaluate the effect of danazol on pregnancy rates in women with unexplained subfertility. The need to use contraception during danazol treatment, adverse effects and costs are additional considerations.[This abstract was prepared centrally.]

Citation: Hughes E, Tiffin G, Vandekerckhove P. Danazol for unexplained infertility (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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