Fertility in anovulatory patients after primary cesarean section

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the fertility potential after primary cesarean section (CS) in anovulatory patients treated for ovulation induction with gonadotropins. STUDY DESIGN: A controlled, prospective study was conducted on 97 anovulatory patients who delivered a neonate either abdominally or vaginally after ovulation induction with human menopausal gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin (hMG/hCG). After four cycles of hMG/hCG therapy, cumulative pregnancy rates and abortions were observed. In both groups, patients who did not conceive underwent hysterosalpingography to evaluate uterine and tubal patency. RESULTS: The cumulative pregnancy rate in the anovulatory, post-cesarean section patients treated with hMG/hCG was 61.9%, as compared to 59.6% in the control group (statistically nonsignificant). The abortion rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The risk of uterine or tubal infertility is probably not substantially increased in patients on whom uncomplicated cesarean sections have been performed. Anovulatory patients who conceive after treatment with gonadotropins and deliver abdominally should be referred for medical treatment before evaluation of any uterine or tubal infertility.