2. What does Clomid do?
Clomid works by suppressing the amount of naturally circulating estrogen and "tricks" the pituitary into producing more follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH). These natural gonadotropic hormones (FSH and LH) then stimulate the ovaries to ripen a follicle and to extrude an ovum (egg).

3. When do I take Clomid?
Your physician will instruct you to take Clomid on either days 3-7 or 5-9 of your cycle, and it is usually based upon the Dr's preference and/or experience. Please follow your physician's directions carefully.

4. How much should I take?
The initial recommended dosage is 50 mg but it may be increased to 100 mg (or more) until the desired response is achieved. It is important to chart while taking clomid and some doctors will recommend using Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) as well.

5. When will I ovulate?
It may take time to establish an appropriate and effective dosage for each person. Once that is established, you should expect to ovulate 5-8 days after the last pill is taken. If you do not conceive in that cycle, AF will usually arrive three weeks after the last pill.

6. When should I DTD (have intercourse)?
You should DTD at least every other day, beginning the third day after your last pill is taken and continuing for one week, or until a thermal shift indicates you've ovulated.

7. Are there any side effects from Clomid?
Clomid can interfere with the ability of the cervical mucus glands to be stimulated by estrogen to produce fertile mucus. Only "hostile" or dry cervical mucus may develop in the days preceding ovulation. Robitussin may help to improve the cervical mucus.

The most common side effects are hot flashes due to the body's hormone levels and a mild headache. The headache usually disappears once the last pill is taken, and the hot flashes once ovulation has occurred. Visual symptoms such as spots, flashes or blurry vision are less common and indicate that treatment should stop.

8. What about multiple births as a result from Clomid?
Clomid is a low-level fertility drug. The chances of a multiple birth (twins) increase only by 10% while taking Clomid.

9. What about ovarian cysts? I've heard Clomid can cause them.
Yes, you can get an ovarian cyst while using Clomid. An ovarian cyst will dissipate on its own, though. It is, however, necessary for your ovaries to be checked for cysts before any additional dosages of Clomid are administered. Clomid could cause an enlargement in an ovarian cyst.

10. Is Clomid associated with any congenital birth defects?
The % of congenital birth defects in children conceived with the assistance of Clomid is no different than the % of congenital malformations in the general population.

11. How long will it take for me to get pregnant using Clomid?
More than half the women taking Clomid will get pregnant during the first three cycles and more than 3/4 occur at the 50mg. dose. Most doctors will only prescribe Clomid for six (6) cycles. After that time, other measures may be recommended, such as IUI or IVF.

Other Fertility Procedures/Treatments

Sperm Analysis (SA) - An analysis of the man's sperm is usually the first step in diagnosis when a couple has been unable to conceive after a period of time. It is recommended that the man abstain from intercourse and alcohol for 48 hrs. prior to the SA. Once the sperm is collected, then it is analyzed for mobility, motility and count.

Hysterosalpingogram(HSG) - HSG is performed to determine if any blockages are present in a woman's fallopian tubes. It is a simple procedure and takes about 15 minutes to complete. To conduct an HSG, the doctor will place a clamp on the woman's cervix, and then shoot a radiologic dye solution into the tubes. The dye allows the doctor to see if there are any blockages and X-rays are taken at that time. The side effects from an HSG are minimal and include menstrual-like cramping. It is recommended to take Tylenol or Ibuprofen before the procedure to minimize the cramping.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) - IUIs are commonly recommended for the treatment of sperm antibodies or when it has been determined that the woman's cervical mucous (CM) is a “hostile environment” for the manes sperm. The sperm are washed in a process where the semen is mixed with a culture media in a test tube and then rapidly spun. The sperm is then placed directly into the woman's uterus during ovulation.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) - This procedure is most commonly recommended in instances where it has been determined that the woman's fallopian tubes are blocked and/or when IUI has proved unsuccessful. An IVF involves the removal of several eggs from the woman's ovaries and then fertilizing them with the males sperm in a petri dish. The 2-day old embryo is then placed in the woman's uterus.

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**Please note:The information provided on this Site is intended to serve only as a supplement to your resources and is in no way to be considered medical advice, medical diagnosis or treatment. Always check with your obstetrician, physician, midwife, or other health care provider before choosing to do or not do any course of action.