What do clomid do

It can also help them determine the appropriate dose for your next cycle. Your doctor may extend this if it takes a few cycles before they find the dose that works for you. Clomid is often prescribed to women with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, which is a syndrome that can cause irregular or absent ovulation.

Not everyone will respond to this medication. Women with primary ovarian insufficiency, or early menopause, and women with absent ovulation due to low body weight or hypothalamic amenorrhea are most likely to not ovulate when taking Clomid.

Women with these conditions may need more intensive infertility treatment. Clomid is usually covered by your health insurance, when other fertility medications may not be. If you do not have insurance coverage for your medication, or are having difficulty paying for it, speak with your doctor about your options. While this medication is generally pretty safe, there are some side effects that you should be aware of.

They include:. There is a slightly higher risk of having a multiple pregnancy when taking Clomid. This rate is around 7 percent for twins, and below 0. You should speak with your doctor about this risk and whether you are able to carry twins or other multiples.

They may suggest more aggressive monitoring if you are unwilling or unable to carry a twin pregnancy. Clomid can also reduce the amount and quality of your cervical mucus. When exposed to estrogen, cervical mucus is thin and watery, which helps the sperm cells travel up to the fallopian tubes. When taking Clomid, estrogen levels are lower, causing the cervical mucus to be thicker than usual. This can interfere with the ability of the sperm to get into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

So far, there is no conclusive data that Clomid increases cancer risk in women. But there is some research suggesting a possible increase in endometrial cancer with the use of ovulation-inducing agents. Doctors commonly prescribe this medication to treat infertility in females. Clomiphene citrate works in a similar way to estrogen , which is a female sex hormone.

Taking this drug encourages ovulation , or the release of an egg from the ovaries. This can help boost fertility for females who have difficulty conceiving due to issues with ovulation. However, doctors sometimes also prescribe clomiphene citrate off-label for treating males with infertility. In males, clomiphene citrate increases levels of luteinizing hormone LH and follicle-stimulating hormone FSH.

These hormones are important for fertility and are present in both males and females. LH encourages the release of testosterone in males. FSH is important in the first stage of sperm production, or spermatogenesis. Increasing the level of these hormones in the body can lead to an increase in testosterone and the creation of more sperm.

However, hormone interactions are complex, and there is not currently enough research to know whether boosting LH and FSH has a direct impact on male fertility. Taking clomiphene citrate may work for some males and not others. According to one review , there have been mixed results from clinical studies testing the effectiveness of taking clomiphene citrate for male infertility.

The drug may improve sperm motility for some males. Motility refers to how well sperm move through the female reproductive system to fertilize an egg. However, using clomiphene citrate may reduce total sperm count in some males. This reduction may relate to dosage of the medication.

Because the FDA have not approved clomiphene citrate for treating infertility in males, there is no agreement on the best dosage. For this reason, doctors need to rely on their own judgment when prescribing this drug. However, studies suggest a dosage of anywhere between A small meta-analysis including three studies found that a daily dose of 50 mg may improve fertility. Researchers need to carry out more studies to determine whether clomiphene citrate is effective for treating male infertility, which types of male infertility it might treat, and what the ideal dosage may be.

Doctors can choose to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe that the benefits outweigh the risks. Though the FDA have only approved clomiphene citrate for the treatment of infertility in females, doctors may also choose to prescribe it for males with unexplained infertility or when other treatments have been unsuccessful or are unsuitable.

However, it is important for the doctor to explain that neither the safety nor the effectiveness of the drug for this purpose are fully known, and to ensure that the person understands any potential risks.

If a person experiences side effects from taking clomiphene citrate, they should seek medical advice. A doctor may advise that they stop taking the drug or lower the dosage. Advertiser Disclosure. By Marissa Conrad. Medically Reviewed Dr. Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board. Table of Contents What Is Clomid?

How Does Clomid Work? Who Should Take Clomid? What Is Clomid? Clomid is often prescribed for patients with: Unexplained infertility. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Irregular menstrual cycles. Polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS. Patients with PCOS often experience either infrequent periods or no periods at all and may be prescribed Clomid. However, U. Other potential side effects include: Ovarian enlargement Nausea and vomiting Breast discomfort Visual symptoms, including blurred vision or floaters small dark spots, lines or other shapes that seem to be floating in your line of vision Headaches Spotting Clomid and Chance of Multiples Taking Clomid increases the chance of carrying multiple babies.

Know Your Numbers Check your levels from the comfort of your own home. Footnotes Evidence-based treatments for couples with unexplained infertility: a guideline. LeFevre N. Follicle stimulating hormone predicts improvement in semen parameters with clomiphene citrate in men with infertility. J Urology. Clomid clomiphene citrate tablets label. Food and Drug Administration. Adashi, EY. Clomiphene citrate at the dawning of assisted reproduction. Fertility and Sterility. Clomid clomiphene citrate.

The Menstrual Cycle. University of California San Francisco Health. Infertility FAQs.