One in eight couples in the U.S. will experience problems getting pregnant at some point in their lives. If you have been trying to get pregnant without success, visit your doctor. He or she may recommend a number of fertility treatment options for you to try, including the fertility drug Clomid*.
Clomid is one of the most affordable and effective fertility treatment options for women who are experiencing problems with ovulation. To help you learn more about this fertility drug, we are sharing 10 helpful facts about Clomid.
- Clomid is a fertility pill that you take by mouth. You will usually take your first dose of Clomid on day 2, 3, 4, or 5 of your menstrual cycle. You will then take one Clomid pill daily for five days.
- If your first cycle of Clomid does not work, your doctor will increase your dose the next cycle. He or she may recommend that you keep trying Clomid for up to three to six cycles.
- Clomid side effects increase as the dosage increases. These side effects often go away once the medicine is discontinued. Side effects are minimal and most commonly include ovarian enlargement, hot flashes, and abdominal or pelvic discomfort.
- Severe side effects of Clomid are possible, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Ask your doctor for more information about this serious condition.
- Pregnancy rates using Clomid are good. Women that try Clomid for up to six cycles have a 50 percent chance of getting pregnant.
- Clomid can also increase your chances of becoming pregnant with multiples. A multiple pregnancy can increase health risks to you and your children, including premature labor, premature delivery, and health problems during pregnancy and after delivery.
- Get to a healthy fertility weight before trying to get pregnant with Clomid. Being overweight or underweight can affect Clomid success rates.
- Clomid can help your body prepare for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This fertility drug encourages your ovaries to produce more eggs for egg retrieval, part of IVF.
- Clomid has helped many women have healthy babies, thanks to its relatively high success rates and low side effects.
- Clomid is sometimes taken by men for male infertility problems.
*Clomid is the trade name of clomiphene citrate. This medication is also sold under the trade name Serophene.
Sources: Attain Fertility: Clomid Overview, Attain Fertility: Clomid Side Effects, Attain Fertility: High Clomid Success Rates, MedlinePlus: Clomiphene
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lowell T. Ku, M.D., an award winning and leading Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist at Dallas IVF, one the nation’s premiere infertility centers. Dr. Ku clarifies the many confusing terms used in the world of Infertility using straightforward explanations.
