The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Studying the effect of metformin and the combination of metformin with myo-inositol on the success of ovulation induction cycles in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Student Research and Technology Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
2 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Leishmania Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
10.22038/ijogi.2026.88962.6471
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of female infertility. Given the hormonal-regulating and multi-organ benefits of myo-inositol, this study assessed the effects of metformin alone versus metformin combined with myo-inositol on ovulation induction outcomes in infertile women with PCOS.



Methods: In a clinical trial, 100 infertile women with PCOS were randomly assigned to two groups for three months: a control group (metformin + placebo) and an intervention group (metformin + myo-inositol). Monthly assessments included dominant follicle count, endometrial thickness, and pregnancy rates. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.26.



Results: Mean ages were 27.4 ± 5.52 years (intervention) and 29.1 ± 6.21 years (control). The mean number of dominant follicles was 18.88 ± 1.23 in the intervention group, showing no significant difference from the control group (P = 0.14). Pregnancy rates were 32% (16 women) in the intervention group versus 22% (11 women) in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.058). However, the intervention group required a lower gonadotropin dose compared to controls.



Conclusion: Co-administration of myo-inositol and metformin showed clinical benefits by increasing pregnancy rates and reducing gonadotropin requirements, though differences did not reach statistical significance—likely due to the small sample size. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and better evaluate the efficacy of this combination therapy in PCOS-related infertility.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 18 August 2026