Clomid for Infertility Treatment

Clomiphene citrate – brand named Clomid or Serophene – has long been the first choice oral drug for superovulation in the treatment of infertility. The specialists at New Hope Fertility Center have decades of education, training, and clinical experience in fertility medication therapy. Why is this important? Having the expertise to know how long a patient should remain on Clomid therapy is determinative of pregnancy success.

An Overview of Clomid

Clomid is an oral medication prescribed by our fertility doctors:

• To induce an egg to develop and be released in a woman who is not ovulating naturally
• To increase the chances of pregnancy for a woman who ovulate naturally through superovulation

Clomid is composed of two separate types of isomers:

• Zuclomiphene – 1/3 inert component making up Clomid
• Enclomiphene – 2/3 active component making up Clomid

Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This blockage results in the stimulation of the pituitary gland into producing hormones causing a woman’s eggs to grow in her ovaries.

Hormones Stimulated by Clomid:

• Gonadotropins
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

During Clomid therapy, FSH and LH levels increase. FSH is key to egg development.

Approximately 72% of women suffering from ovulation difficulty will develop at least one egg and ovulate with Clomid therapy.

Where to Purchase Clomid

You can purchase Clomid online at goodrx.com or in-person at a specialty pharmacy.

Uses of Clomid for Treatment of Infertility

At New Hope Fertility Center, our high standard of care encompasses the detailed explanation of how fertility medications work to every patient.

Two common treatment options will increase a woman’s chances of pregnancy:

• Medicated Assisted Timed Intercourse
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) also known as artificial insemination

Mh3>Medicated Assisted Timed Intercourse

When a couple is unable to get pregnant despite normal reproductive health, medicated assisted timed intercourse using Clomid in conjunction with IUI is commonly recommended to increase their chances of pregnancy.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is the best and lowest cost method of conceiving when timed intercourse at home fails.

• After a woman’s monthly cycle has been regulated, Clomid is prescribed to stimulate her production of multiple egg follicles
• Our fertility specialists will then regularly monitor the growth of the patient’s egg follicles through vaginal ultrasound imaging and blood tests
• The patient will self-administer an ovulation trigger medication – hCG human chorionic gonadotropin – via injection
• Timed with ovulation, the insemination procedure will take place to insert a highly concentrated amount of motile sperm into the patient’s cervix using a thin catheter – similar to a Pap smear
• A blood draw for a pregnancy test is scheduled approximately two weeks later

How to Administer the Recommended Dose of Clomid

Most patients will begin Clomid therapy on a dose of either 50 mg or 100 mg. In the event egg follicle production does not occur, the dose may be increased to 150 mg.

• Call New Hope Fertility Center on Day 1 of your menstrual cycle
• Visit our office for blood test and ultrasound on Day 2 or Day 3
• Take one prescribed dose of Clomid on Days 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
• On Day 10 or Day 11, visit our office for blood test and ultrasound
• Your fertility care team will give you instructions on when to return for a follow up office visit
• As instructed, self-administer the hCG trigger injection in the evening after your follow up visit
• Your insemination will be scheduled two (2) days after the hCG trigger injection
• One (1) week after the hCG injection, you will visit the office for a blood test to determine your progesterone level
• Two (2) weeks after the hCG injection, you will visit the office for a pregnancy blood test

Side Effects – Clomid

Common side effects of Clomid experienced by 10% of patients include:

• Hot flashes
• Headaches

Side effects occurring in 6% or less of patients include:

• Visual blurring
• Visual spots or flashes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Weight gain
• Breast discomfort

World Renowned Fertility Medication Expertise

Make it a priority to work with a fertility doctor having medication expertise meeting your personal needs. To schedule a consultation with Dr. John Zhang – a world renowned fertility specialist – call 917.525.5496.