Clomid

Many couples who have difficulty conceiving through natural methods go for various fertility treatments to increase their chances of having a child. One of the most popular medications used to improve fertility is Clomid. Used for over 30 years to help induce and regulate ovulation, Clomid is often highly successful as a pregnancy effective treatment.. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your doctor to know more about this medication, in case you find any fertility problems.

Defining Clomid

Clomid is a fertility medication, which is prescribed to induce ovulation. The drug is known as clomiphene citrate, and it is sold under the brand names Clomid and Serophene, which is available throughout the United Kingdom. Specifically, Clomid works to stimulate a woman’s ovaries to mature an increased number of follicles every month. Due to this Clomid also increases the likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy.

Working Methodology of Clomid

Clomid works by acting on a number of different receptors in the body that regulate hormone production and their release. In particular, The amount of following three hormones are increased with the use of Clomid.

• gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

• luteinizing hormone (LH)

• follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Clomid essentially directs the body to believe that it has lowered levels of estrogen. As a result, the brain begins to secrete increased levels of GnRH, which, in turn, stimulates the release of FSH and LH. These hormones then trigger the ovaries to begin to mature more follicles.

How to use Clomid?

Clomid is taken orally on specific days of your menstrual cycle. Depending upon your fertility clinic results, you may be asked to take Clomid on Days 4-6 of your cycle, or Days 7-12 of your cycle. Dosages usually begin at 50 mg. Most women continue on this dosage for a couple of monthly cycles.. If there is no improvement in ovulation, the dosage can be increased to a maximum of 200 mg per day.

Clomid is normally taken for a maximum of six cycles, after which use will be discontinued if it proves ineffective and another type of infertility treatment will be recommended. Sometimes, Clomid may be combined with additional hormonal medications.

Side effects of Clomid

Generally, Clomid when taken in lower doses, side effects are mild and not particularly troublesome. However, at higher doses you may experience:

• mood swings

• nausea and vomiting

• breast tenderness

• headache

• fatigue

30% of women using Clomid also experience changes in their cervical mucous. Cervical mucous may then become hostile to sperm, making conception difficult.

Clomid success rate and its potential complications

Clomid is generally a very effective drug for most women suffering from ovulatory dysfunction. Most of the women (between 70 to 90%) begin to ovulate within the first three menstrual cycles itself. However, there are around 5 to 10 % chances of multiple permanencies like twin fetus formation etc.

The main risk associated with Clomid use is the potential for developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS can occur with the use of any type of ovulation stimulating drug. It happens when cysts begin to form on the ovaries, causing them to swell to a very large size. Typically, OHSS disappears without treatment but, without proper monitoring, the syndrome can become dangerous. Potential complications include:

• kidney problems

• liver problems

• fluid collection in the lungs and stomach

• twisting of the ovaries

Therefore, it is advisable that the fertility specialist treating you monitors your condition regularly, to check above and other symptoms.