Clomid
Millions of women struggle to conceive. In Vito Fertilization begins with the use of fertility drugs. These drugs stimulate egg production and promote ovulation. The hormones that control reproduction are the same in men and women. Thus, men with infertility may take the same fertility drugs as women, to stimulate sperm production.
About Ovulation
Ovulation is the release of an unfertilized egg from the ovary. It occurs every month, usually between 12 and 14 days after the last menstrual cycle. The optimum time to conceive is a few days before ovulation. Ovulation is regulated by hormones. Once released, the egg travels down the fallopian tube where it may be fertilized. If not, it is shed with the woman’s period. If it is fertilized it will travel to and implant in the lining of the uterus, and result in pregnancy.
What is Clomid?
It is a oral fertility drug that can help you get pregnant. It will aid your body in producing hormones that work in the brain and pituitary gland. This will trigger ovulation. It may help you produce one or more than one mature egg.
Studies show that almost 80% of women with irregular ovulation, who take Clomid will ovulate in the first three months. And about 50% of them get pregnant by the third treatment cycle.
How does it work?
It works by stimulating hormones in your brain to trigger egg development and release from your ovaries or ovulation.
Why did my doctor recommend Clomid?
Clomid can help you get pregnant if:
- You ovulate irregularly, not at all or you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- You have unexplained infertility
- To stimulate egg production as part of In Vitro Fertilization treatment
- Male factor infertility
This drug will not help women with primary ovarian insufficiency or early menopause, and women who do not ovulate due to low body weight or hypothalamic amenorrhea.
Do men take fertility drugs?
Yes, men may be prescribed Clomid when they need to balance their hormones to produce enough healthy sperm to fertilize an egg. Clomid can help men with male factor infertility, low testosterone, low sperm count or poor sperm quality or motility. Clomid can treat secondary hypogonadism which causes low sperm count or no sperm.
What are the instructions to take it?
Typically, Clomid is started at day 3,4, or 5 of the menstrual cycle at a dose of 50mg, once a day for 5 days. It is recommended that Clomid be taken at the same time every day. Taking Clomid at night can help the patient sleep through the side effects, but other women do better in the morning.
Ovulation while taking Clomid generally occurs around 5-10 days after taking the last pill. The best time to have intercourse is one to two days before you ovulate, because sperm can live in the fallopian tubes for up to two days.
If a woman fails to respond at that dose, the dose may be increased. Ovulation usually occurs between cycle days 14 and 19. Your doctor may recommend the use of an ovulation predictor to plan intercourse, so you can time intercourse for optimal results. However, sperm survive in the women’s genital tract for about 2 days.
What will I feel?
Most women do well on Clomid, but treatment with Clomid can be emotionally intense. You may experience some side effects like mood swings, hot flashes, breast tenderness, insomnia, bloating and weight gain, and vaginal bleeding when the fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus. This is normal. If you can’t tolerate these symptoms, talk to your fertility expert at Ohio Reproductive Medicine in Columbus, Ohio. The doctor may be able to change the dose or switch drugs.
How will I know if I’m pregnant?
Clomid side effects can mimic the symptoms of pregnancy. It is recommended that you wait to take a pregnancy test until you miss your monthly period.
How many cycles of Clomid are safe?
Women who do not become pregnant within three to five cycles of Clomid may need other therapies.
However, every patient is unique and treatment is based on the diagnosis, woman’s age and medical history.
At Ohio Reproductive Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, we often use Clomid first, because in the appropriate case, it is the simplest and most affordable treatment option.
What are the benefits?
Clomid is relatively inexpensive and is often used before more expensive testing or infertility treatments. It has a low risk of dangerous side effects. Clomid is commonly covered by health insurance, while other fertility medications generally may not be covered.
What are the risks?
Clomid and many other fertility drugs have been used safely for decades. The main risk is a chance of conceiving multiple babies. This creates a risk of complications, miscarriage and premature labor. About 7-10% of women who take Clomid have twins.
Clomid can have an adverse effect on the endometrial lining in the uterus, causing it to thin, which can negatively impact success. They may require additional treatment.
There is a rare risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation (OHSS). OH occurs when the ovaries produce too many eggs, and swell. This can cause bloating, and weight gain. Mild cases of OHSS commonly go away on their own.
At Ohio Reproductive Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, you need not feel alone in your journey to parenthood. Our team of fertility experts are here to help you along the way, with a wide variety of procedures and services.