Clomid is a medication used for years to help women with certain fertility problems become pregnant. It is also called clomiphene or serophene. It is one of the class of drugs called “selective estrogen receptor modulators” or SERMs. It continues to be used because it works well, is non-surgical, and is cost effective.
What is it for?
The specific problem that Clomid treats is lack of ovulation or anovulation. Women with this problem usually have irregular periods or periods that are very far apart. This is common with a syndrome called PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Clomid can’t work if the tubes are blocked or there is also a male factor, so these should be ruled out. Clomid can be used for male infertility, which is another discussion.
How do I take it?
Clomid is taken in the first few days of the menstrual cycle. Every doctor starts slightly differently and gives slightly different directions. One example would be “Take one 50 mg tablet orally starting the 5th day of your cycle for five days”. Generally, you use some method of ovulation prediction to see if this works. If this particular regimen fails, there are many ways to tinker with it. Doctors may change the start days, the dose or the number of days you take the pills. You must work with your doctor.
Buy Clomid online in Australia
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects are hot flashes, breast tenderness, mood swings and nausea. These ease after you stop taking the pills. Other side effects include:
• Enlarged ovaries causing pelvic or abdominal discomfort
• Bloating
• Vaginal dryness
• Thicker cervical mucus (causing difficulty with sperm getting to the egg)
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Abnormal bleeding
• Mood swings
• Blurred vision or other visual symptoms
• 10% risk of twins and a 1% or less risk of higher order multiples (triplets or more). There is no way to predict multiple gestations.
What about monitoring?
Depending on your doctor and your fertility problem, you may be monitored with ultrasound, ovulation predictor kits, or other methods to determine the best time to get pregnant. If you need an injection to trigger ovulation and / or to schedule IUI (intrauterine insemination), you will need frequent blood work and ultrasounds for timing.
What is the success rate?
About 80% of the time, women who are not menopausal will start ovulating. About 40 % of women using Clomid will get pregnant in the first six cycles. Women who use Clomid for many cycles risk ovarian damage. Most doctors will stop after 6 cycles and change treatments.
I have been working in General Practice since 2006.
Leave a Reply