25 Jan 5 Things to Know About Clomid
If you have an infertility diagnosis, odds are Clomid will play a role in your fertility treatment path. It is a mild, oral fertility medication that stimulates ovulation. Clomid can work to kickstart irregular ovulation or to help you release more than one egg – increasing the chances of conception when the sperm arrive on the scene.
5 Facts to Put Your Mind at Ease About Clomid
Taking a fertility medication may cause some concern or nerves around how it will affect your body. Here are 5 facts to know about Clomid that will put your mind at ease.
1. Clomid has been used safely & effectively for 50+ years
The FDA officially approved Clomid in February of 1967. Since then, millions upon millions of women have used Clomid to get pregnant. It is safe and effective when used as prescribed, which is why it is a first-line fertility treatment option. Studies show that about 80% of women taking Clomid do ovulate successfully, and conception rates are about 10% to 13% per cycle.
The medication works by blocking estrogen production. When estrogen levels drop, it can stimulate the pituitary gland as well as the hypothalamus to produce the ovulation hormone trifecta: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
2. It is an oral fertility medication
There are two types of fertility medications: those that are taken orally and those that are injected into the upper skin/muscle. Clomid is an oral fertility medication. No pain or discomfort to worry about. It’s as simple as taking a vitamin supplement or over-the-counter pain medication. The pills are about the same size as a round tylenol or aspirin, so they are very easy to swallow.
3. The side effects are very mild
Women often fear the side effects of ovarian stimulating medications they’ve heard so much about over the years. However, the most dramatic and severe side effects are usually associated with injectable fertility medications, which have a more dramatic impact on the body and are typically only used if clomid does not work OR if you have to automatically move to the IVF fertility treatment track.
Clomid does have side effects (pelvic tenderness, tender breasts, bloating/cramping), but they are very similar to PMS and will subside when your prescription ends. That said, you will be carefully monitored by your doctor while taking Clomid. In the very rare chance that you experience any debilitating symptoms or side effects, simply stop taking the medication, contact your physician, and s/he’ll take it from there.
4. It is almost always the first-phase fertility treatment
If you are 35-years or younger, odds are you’ll be taking Clomid as Phase 1 in your fertility treatment path. It is helpful for women who are ovulating regularly but have husbands with a lower sperm count. Extra eggs help one of those fewer sperm find a home.
Clomid can be used for anyone struggling to get pregnant who still wants to continue timing sex for pregnancy at home, or for those pursuing IUI – again, to get a few extra eggs in the fallopian tubes to increase the chances of sperm contact.
Do know that it may require repeat cycles. Typically, your Ob/Gyn or fertility specialist will have you go through two or three cycles of Clomid. If those aren’t successful, s/he’ll work with you to move on to the next, logical fertility treatment step.
5. Taking Clomid increases your chances of conceiving multiples
Clomid is far less dramatic than injectable medications. Typically, you would only release one to two eggs at a time, maybe three. That means you do have a higher-than-normal chance of getting pregnant with twins or triplets. Our goal is always to have one healthy mother and one healthy baby at a time.
However, it is also important that mothers understand Clomid and any other fertility boosting medication can increase your chances of conceiving multiples, which is considered a high-risk pregnancy. That said, we are experts at customizing Clomid doses to aim for a one or two egg maximum release.
Are you a candidate for Clomid? We’re here to support your fertility journey. Contact the Fertility Center of Dallas to schedule a consultation.