What should be confirmed prior to prescribing letrozole for ovulation induction?

Prior to prescribing letrozole for ovulation induction, it is essential to confirm that the patient is not pregnant. Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, is used to stimulate ovulation in women who are anovulatory, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Prescribing this medication during pregnancy could potentially harm the developing fetus. Therefore, ensuring that the patient is not pregnant helps prevent any harmful effects and aligns with safe practice guidelines for reproductive health.

While other considerations, such as ruling out ovarian cancer or assessing previous responses to medications, are important in the broader patient evaluation for infertility treatment, they do not take precedence over confirming that the patient is not currently pregnant before starting a medication known to affect hormonal balance and ovarian function.