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) increases
40 times 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.
