Clomid is a popular fertility medication often prescribed to women with irregular or absent menstrual cycles. Curious if it might be right for you? Keep reading to learn when Clomid is typically recommended and what you can expect during treatment.

What is Clomid?

Clomid is the brand name for the medication clomiphene citrate. Clomid is an oral medication that stimulates the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH triggers the ovaries to produce one or more egg follicles. Clomid is usually taken for five days, beginning a few days after the start of a menstrual cycle.

How Does Clomid Work?

Clomid is an ovarian stimulant, which means it works by encouraging the release of one or more mature eggs during ovulation. It does this by tricking your brain into thinking your estrogen levels are lower than they actually are. In response, your body produces more hormones that stimulate your ovaries to grow and release a mature egg, increasing the chances of conception.

When Is Clomid Prescribed?

Clomid is typically prescribed to women under age 35 when unable to conceive after a year of trying and to women over age 35 when unable to conceive after six months of trying. 

However, not all women wait 6-12 months to be prescribed Clomid. Clomid may be prescribed to help conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or an irregular menstrual cycle that prevents naturally occurring ovulation. 

Clomid is often used for women who have trouble with ovulation or who have been told that they have unexplained infertility. However,  women who do not ovulate due to low body weight or hypothalamic amenorrhea (a condition where a woman stops ovulating due to a problem with the hypothalamus) rarely respond to Clomid.

Clomid Pregnancy Rates

The goal of treatment with Clomid is to normalize or induce ovulation so that a woman can get pregnant. In a 2015 study that compared pregnancy rates of several fertility medications in couples with unexplained subfertility, Clomid resulted in a live birth rate of 23 percent. Several factors influence Clomid’s success rate:

• Age: Pregnancy rates tend to decline with a woman’s age, no matter how they conceive. 
• Waist-hip ratio: One study found that waist-hip ratio is a clinically useful parameter in predicting responsiveness to Clomid. The waist-hip ratio is calculated by dividing the circumference of the waist by the circumference of the hips. Women with a higher waist-hip ratio had less success with Clomid.
• Other fertility factors: Some women who ovulate but fail to conceive with Clomid may have underlying causes or a partner with infertility. It is important to understand all potential causes of infertility.
• Endometrial effects: Some research suggests that Clomid either reduces or can cause changes in a woman's cervical mucus, which can hinder the chance of pregnancy. 

How to Use Clomid

Clomid is a prescription-only medication, and it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider for safe and effective use. The following information is provided for general knowledge and should not replace medical advice.

Clomid is typically taken as a pill for five days at the start of the menstrual cycle. Its purpose is to stimulate the growth of a follicle, which is necessary for ovulation. After completing the first course of Clomid, you may have a follow-up appointment with your provider to monitor the number and maturity of the follicles.

A mature follicle is usually found around day 12 of the cycle. At this stage, urine tests or at-home ovulation predictor kits can help detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which signals that ovulation is about to occur. Based on this timing, women are generally advised to have intercourse or schedule intrauterine insemination (IUI) approximately 12–36 hours after the LH surge.

If there are no signs of ovulation, your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage of Clomid for a second cycle. Experts recommend a maximum of three Clomid cycles because the chances of conceiving drop significantly after the third cycle, and there may be side effects from long-term use. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for the best outcomes.

What are the Side Effects of Clomid?

Common side effects of Clomid tend to be mild and include the following:

• Hot flashes
• Mood swings
• Pelvic discomfort 
• Breast tenderness
• Headache 
• Multiple pregnancies (twins or more). 

Rare but more serious side effects that should be reported to your practitioner include the following:

• Allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Changes in vision
• Severe stomach or pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Sudden or extreme weight gain

Contact your healthcare practitioner with any questions or concerns about side effects.

What Should I Watch for While Using Clomid?

There are a few things to keep in mind while using Clomid:

• Make sure you understand how and when to use this medication. Following instructions carefully will increase your chance of a pregnancy.
• Pay attention to any side effects and note them to your healthcare provider.

• Drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco may decrease your chance of becoming pregnant. 
• Stop taking Clomid immediately if you think you are pregnant.

 FAQs

What do I do if Clomid doesn't work?

Your healthcare provider will recommend a course of action if Clomid does not cause you to ovulate or conceive. The genera recommendation is to try a maximum of three rounds of Clomid before trying alternative therapies. If you feel uncertain about your provider’s recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or seek a second opinion.

Can Clomid be used for male infertility?

Clomid is only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating females. However, some doctors may prescribe Clomid “off-label” to treat male infertility. Clomid may help increase testosterone and sperm count.

What if I miss a dose?

The instructions for Clomid recommend taking a missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next scheduled one. Do not take a double or extra dose. If you have any questions or concerns about taking Clomid, always consult your healthcare provider.

What does Clomid cost?

The cost of Clomid will vary depending on your medical coverage and whether a brand-name or generic clomiphene citrate is used.

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What are the signs Clomid is working?

In most studies, Clomid has a success rate of around 70% for inducing ovulation. While your healthcare provider can confirm definitively if Clomid is working, there are a few signs you can monitor at home:

• Getting your period 27-30 days after taking Clomid
• A drop and then subsequent rise in your basal body temperature, which is usually an indicator of ovulation
• You cervical mucus may become clear and opaque similar to egg whites