Clomid – what is it, what is it for helps you get pregnant!

Clomid is used to treat infertility in women, it works by stimulating an increase in the amount of hormones that support growth. And the release of a mature egg (ovulation). This medicine is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer produce eggs properly (primary pituitary or ovarian failure).

What is Clomid and How Does It Work?

Clomid is an oral medication that can be used to stimulate ovulation. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, which is an important “hormonal control center” for the body. When this happens, the hypothalamus is stimulated to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These are naturally occurring ovarian stimulants, which stimulate ovulation in a normal cycle.

Why Did My Doctor Recommend Clomid?

Clomid may be helpful for anyone trying to conceive who has any of the following problems:

Irregular ovulation:

It’s hard to conceive when a woman’s cycles are so irregular that she can’t be sure when she’s ovulating. When effective,  Clomid use  should produce a predictable ovulatory response to allow timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination.

Fertility Problems with “Male Factor”:

When there is an issue with semen quality, sometimes your doctor may recommend intrauterine insemination to maximize the chance of pregnancy.  Clomid  can be used to help improve the timing of inseminations with the woman’s cycle.

Unexplained Infertility:

Clomid has also been shown to be effective in increasing pregnancy rates in healthy young couples who have had a completely normal fertility assessment but are still having trouble getting pregnant.

How is Clomid Prescribed? What Can I Expect to Feel?

At your appointment, your doctor will perform a pelvic exam and time your Clomid cycle . Typically you will take one to three pills a day for five days at the beginning of your cycle (cycle days 3-7 or 4-8). During this time, some women will notice hot flashes, moodiness, or changes in sleep pattern. Most patients do not notice any symptoms.

Ovulation will normally occur 7-8 days after completion of Clomid treatment. As the ovaries are stimulated, you may notice some swelling or discomfort with intercourse. Checking for ovulation can be done in several ways. Your doctor will recommend which method is most appropriate:

These include basal body temperature tests, LH kit test, office ultrasound and blood tests. At your visit, your doctor will instruct you on when to expect ovulation in that cycle, when to have intercourse, and when you need to return for a follicle scan/ultrasound to confirm ovulation.

How Will I Know If I’m Pregnant?

Check a home pregnancy test if you don’t get your period within two to three weeks of your expected ovulation time. Also, if your period starts, call the first day so we can schedule you for another cycle.

How Many Cycles of Clomid Should I Take?

This depends on several patient-specific factors. Your doctor can outline an overall fertility plan so you know your long-term goals and when other medications or treatments might be indicated.

Important information?

Do not use Clomid if you are already pregnant.

You should not use Clomid if you have: liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, uncontrolled adrenal gland or thyroid disease , ovarian cyst (not related to polycystic ovary syndrome ) or if you are pregnant.

Before Taking This Medicine:

You should not use Clomid if you are allergic to clomiphene, or if you have:

• Also, abnormal vaginal bleeding;
• ovarian cyst unrelated to polycystic ovary syndrome ;
• past or present liver disease;
• Also, a tumor of the pituitary gland;
• an untreated or uncontrolled problem with your thyroid or adrenal gland; or
• Also, if you are pregnant.

To make sure Clomid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Do not use Clomid if you are already pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the possible effects of Clomid on a new pregnancy.

Clomiphene can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. This medicine may delay the production of breast milk in some women. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Using Clomid for more than 3 cycles of treatment may increase your risk of developing an ovarian tumor. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Fertility treatment can increase your chance of having multiple births (twins, triplets). These are high-risk pregnancies for both the mother and the babies. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about this risk.

How Should I Take Clomid?

Use Clomid exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your doctor will perform medical tests to make sure you don’t have conditions that prevent you from using Clomid safely . In addition, clomid is usually taken for 5 days, starting on the 5th day of your period. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

You will need to have a pelvic exam before each treatment cycle. Also, you must remain under a doctor’s care while using Clomid .

You will likely ovulate within 5 to 10 days after taking Clomid . To improve your chance of getting pregnant, you should have sex while you are ovulating.

Your doctor may have you take your temperature each morning and record your daily readings on a chart. Also, it will help you determine when you can expect ovulation to occur.

In most cases, Clomid should not be used for more than 3 treatment cycles. In addition, if you ovulate but do not become pregnant after 3 cycles of treatment, your doctor may stop treatment and further assess your infertility. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light.

What Should I Avoid?

This medicine can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

What Are the Risks of Clomid?

• Also, rarely will women experience hyperstimulation of the ovaries as a result of using clomids. In this case, the ovaries become enlarged with multiple follicles.
• Severe pain or marked swelling of the abdomen should prompt you to call your doctor.
• Also, the chance of multiple ovulations is slightly higher with clomid than with a normal menstrual cycle: The chance of twins resulting from clomid is 6-8%.
• There is no increased risk of higher order multiples (triplets, etc.) over the reference rate in the population.
• In addition, rare side effects include visual changes, reversible hair loss, dizziness, or hives.
• Patients with currently existing large ovarian cysts or liver disease should not use clomid.
• In addition, there has been discussion about whether multiple cycles of ovarian stimulating drugs increase the risk of ovarian cancer . Overall, studies have shown that there is no increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who take Clomiphene with other infertile women.

Who Should NOT Take This Medicine?

Do not take this medicine if you:

• In addition, they are allergic to clomiphene or any of the other ingredients of the drug.
• is pregnant.
• have a hormone-dependent tumor (tumors that can be stimulated to grow by sex hormones such as
  estrogen).
• Also, abnormal vaginal bleeding of unknown cause.
• have fibroid tumors of the uterus.
• have liver disease or have had reduced liver function in the past.
• Also, have ovarian cysts (not associated with polycystic ovary).
• Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of a vein with formation of a blood clot).
• Also, he has depression.