Clomiphene Citrate commonly known as Clomid is a drug that is advised by healthcare professionals to manage ovulation and fertility disorders. This pharmacological preparation can be used by women who do not ovulate at all as well as women who are going through deficits of luteal phase. LH and FSH are clomid hormones that control the ovulation process. Various clinical and research studies have provided statistical evidence that consumption of clomid stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more of these vital hormones to promote normal ovulation.
So far, Clomid and ovulation have been closely connected and clomid has proved to be an effective treatment for the stimulation of ovaries and hence used widely for this purpose. Other drugs that are also known to stimulate the ovulation process are bromocriptine and metformin.
How Does Clomid Work?
The cells of our body communicate via chemical messengers such as hormones and neurotransmitters. These hormones come in contact with receptors of different tissues to bring about a chemical response.
The mode of action and mechanism of Clomid is fairly similar to the endogenous hormone, estrogen. Just like the estrogen, Clomid comes in contact with a receptor that is present on the hypothalamus (an endocrine gland located in the brain). As the clomid blocks the way of estrogen to attach itself to the receptor, the body believes that there is not enough estrogen present. This automatically makes the body to produce a larger amount of GnRH which in turn causes the release of LH and FSH. It is actually FSH that helps in the ripening process of follicles (or potential egg/ eggs) and hence produces more of estrogen. If Clomid works this way then the body ends up ovulating more frequently. So, it is clear about the relationship bewteen Clomid and ovulation.
How Successful Is Clomid as a Fertility Treatment?
Statistics have proved that 70% women report positive results within 6 months of initiating Clomid use as evidenced by resolution of ovulation issues. Furthermore, about 40% females reportedly conceive after initiating Clomid treatment. There are several other factors that can affect the chances of getting pregnant such as age and weight of women. Also, the timing and frequency of intercourse in the cycle and male factors such as motility, speed, shape and count of the partner’s sperm can also influence the chances of becoming pregnant. The doctors may increase the dose as time goes by in order to increase the chances of conceiving the baby as low dose may not suffice in all patients.
What Are the Side Effects of Clomid?
Even we know the postive effect clomid for ovulation, like all pharmacological preparation, use of Clomid is also associated with certain adverse events:
- Tenderness of breasts
- Substantial weight gain
- Blurring of vision
- Alterations in the normal quality and rhythm of sleep
- Pain in abdomen
- Mood swings
- Heavy bleeding in periods
- Blood spots
- Hot flashes
- Nausea
- Another side effect of Clomid is dryness of cervical mucus that may interfere with the quality of intercourse; however, this defect can be made up for by using a sperm friendly vaginal lubricant.
- OHSS which is acronym for Ovarian Hypertension Stimulation Syndrome may occur as a side effect. This condition is marked by swelling of ovaries due to vigorous bodily response to hormones. OHSS should be suspected if excessive bloating or abdominal swelling is evident. This can be a serious problem, but usually OHSS due to Clomid use is a mild condition that resolves spontaneously. The severity of OHSS can increase if it is taken with hCG (another drug for improving fertility).
Is Clomid a Right Choice for Me?
Clomid was initially used for the management of infertility due to polycystic ovaries or for the treatment of PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease). It has also been used successfully for the management of unexplained infertility (where no other cause is identifiable). It can be used alone or in association with other drugs (such as Metformin) to treat fertility issues. Since you have gotten the effect of Clomid to ovulation, you may wonder whether Clomid is right choice for you or not.
According to recent data, Clomid can stimulate ovaries to release egg but does not otherwise offer any help. Currently, Clomid is only recommended if a female is using other fertility options such as (IU) intrauterine insemination or similar choices.
How to Use Clomid for Inducing Ovulation
Clomid is usually consumed in a dose of one to four tablets (depending upon the advice of your healthcare provider). It is important to take all the pills at the same time every day. The pharmacological preparation is available in the form of tablets starting from fifth to ninth day of period cycle.
In most cases, the treatment should be continued for up to six months. If a woman has regular cycles then she should ideally start the medicine from the second day of her cycle. If the cycles are irregular, you may require a check-up from the doctor prior to initiating the therapy. In all such cases, there is other hormonal preparation available such as progesterone and estrogen that may be used simultaneously to keep cycles regular and enhance the chances of conception.
Most women conceive in the first six months; however, some may require a longer period with this therapy alone. The doctors may monitor the cycles and alter the doses, so it is highly recommended to keep up with periodic physical examinations. If Clomid does not respond then other surgical options can be taken.
If you want to know more about Clomid and ovulation, check out the video below:
When to Have Intercourse When Taking Clomid
This isn’t really different from trying to conceive without any medication. It is ideal to consummate two days before ovulation and more often after this so that chances of getting pregnant increase. The cycle of ovulation may vary from person to person as some females have longer cycles while others have shorter ones. This may even be different from cycle to cycle for the same person. It may get frustrating to just get into action for the purpose of conceiving only, so it is better to take it easy and try fun ideas in the bedroom.