Background and Objectives: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread endocrine disorder affecting 5–18% of females in their childbearing age. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of combining a low dosage of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) along with clomiphene citrate (CC) for stimulating ovulation in infertile women diagnosed with CC-resistant PCOS. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out on 300 infertile CC-resistant PCOS women. All participants were assigned to two groups: the CC-HCG group and the CC-Placebo group. Subjects in the CC-HCG group were given CC (150 mg/day for 5 days starting on the 2nd day of the cycle) and HCG (200 IU/day SC starting on the 7th day of the cycle). Subjects in the CC-Placebo group were given CC and a placebo. The number of ovarian follicles > 18 mm, cycle cancellation rate, endometrial thickness, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and occurrence of early ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome were all outcome variables in the primary research. Results: Data from 138 individuals in the CC-HCG group and 131 participants in the CC-Placebo group were subjected to final analysis. In comparison to the CC-Placebo group, the cycle cancellation rate in the CC-HCG group was considerably lower. The CC-HCG group exhibited a substantial increase in ovarian follicles reaching > 18 mm, endometrial thickness, and ovulation rate. The clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the CC-HCG group (7.2% vs. 2.3%; CC-HCG vs. CC-Placebo). Upon adjusting for BMI and age, the findings of our study revealed that individuals in the CC-HCG group who had serum prolactin levels below 20 (ng/mL), secondary infertility, infertility duration less than 4 years, baseline LH/FSH ratios below 1.5, and serum AMH levels more than 4 (ng/mL) had a higher likelihood of achieving pregnancy. In the CC-Placebo group, there was a greater prediction of clinical pregnancy for those with serum AMH (<4), primary infertility, serum prolactin ≤ 20 (ng/mL), baseline LH/FSH < 1.5, and infertility duration < 4 years. Conclusions: The use of a small dose of HCG along with CC appeared to be an effective treatment in reducing cycle cancelation, improving the clinical pregnancy rate and ovulation rate in CC-resistant PCOS patients. The trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov, identifier NCT02436226
Background and Objectives: One of the most widely used reversible contraceptive techniques among women of reproductive age worldwide is oral contraceptives (OCPs). Despite their widespread use, OCPs are associated with increased risks of stroke, yet the extent of awareness of these risks among women remains insufficiently explored. This study aims to evaluate the level of awareness among women resident in Saudi Arabia regarding the potential risk of stroke linked to the use of OCPs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted targeting women of reproductive age (18–49 years). Data was collected through an online self-administrated questionnaire distributed via social media platforms, encompassing sociodemographic characteristics, OCP usage patterns, and awareness of stroke risks, perceived side effects of OCPs, symptoms of stroke, and methods to reduce stroke incidence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with descriptive statistics for categorical data and chi-square tests to assess associations. Results: A total of 516 women participated in the study. Of these, 148, or over a quarter (28.7%), of the participants reported using oral contraceptive pills; 86, or more than half (58%), who use OCPs are not sure what type of OCPs they use; 60, or over half of the participants (40.5%), have been using for less than a year. Over two thirds of the participants (350, 67.8%) are not aware that using OCP increases the risk of stroke. The most recognized side effect of OCPs use was weight gain (38.2%), while awareness of stroke as a side effect was significantly lower (24.6%). Additionally, 62.8% of respondents identified selecting the appropriate type of contraceptive as the best way to prevent stroke while taking OCPs. Conclusions: this study highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the potential risk of cerebral thrombosis associated with OCP use among Saudi women. Addressing this knowledge gap through targeted educational initiatives could help mitigate the risks and improve overall public health outcomes.
30 August 2024 in Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences
Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 1,286 pregnant … Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 1,286 pregnant …
30 August 2024 in Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences
Background: Men's tobacco usage may be a contributing factor in up to 12% of cases of infertility in couples due to decreased semen parameters. It is the reality that Sudan … Background: Men's tobacco usage may be a contributing factor in up to 12% of cases of infertility in couples due to decreased semen parameters. It is the reality that Sudan …
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, with a notably high prevalence in Saudi Arabia (20-25%). Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between PCOS and depression, yet limited research has explored this relationship in Saudi women. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between PCOS and depression in Saudi women, assessing prevalence, severity, and demographic predictors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 654 Saudi women aged 18–45, recruited via online platforms across major cities. PCOS diagnosis was confirmed using Rotterdam Criteria, and depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: PCOS prevalence was 27.5%, with irregular menstruation (42.2%) and weight gain (35.8%) as the most common symptoms. Depression (PHQ-9 ≥10) was significantly higher in women with PCOS (46.7%) compared to those without (26.6%, p < 0.001). The mean PHQ-9 score was markedly elevated in the PCOS group (9.8 ± 4.9 vs. 6.2 ± 3.5, p < 0.001), with PCOS nearly doubling depression risk (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.72–3.49). Divorced/widowed women had the highest rates of PCOS (36.7%) and depression (43.3%), followed by unemployed participants (37.1%). Conclusion: PCOS is strongly associated with depression in Saudi women, particularly among those facing marital instability or unemployment. These findings highlight the need for integrated mental health screening and psychosocial support for women with PCOS in Saudi Arabia. Future research should explore longitudinal causality and targeted interventions.