When do doctors prescribe clomid

Clomid, the brand name of the generic drug Clomiphene, may be prescribed if you have been having difficulty ovulating or getting pregnant on your own. It works by inducing ovulation and thereby increasing your chances of getting pregnant. Clomid is a prescription drug that should only be taken under the guidance of a medical professional. Certain medical conditions may prohibit the use of Clomid. Clomid works by tricking the brain into thinking that your estrogen levels are unusually low.

Since estrogen levels appear to be low, your body thinks there are no growing follicles; and responds by releasing hormone that signals your pituitary gland to produce more FSH follicle stimulating hormone and LH Luteinizing hormone. The higher levels of FSH stimulate the ovaries, and the higher levels of LH eventually trigger ovulation. As the follicles on the ovaries grow, they release estrogen. The increase in estrogen signals the brain to slow down the production of FSH, which in turn slows down the stimulation of the ovaries.

Clomid should not be used for more than six cycles in your life due to the slightly increased risk of ovarian cancer if used for more than 12 cycles. Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to move efficiently. Low sperm motility is one factor that can lead to infertility. Causes include…. Estradiol is a form of the hormone estrogen, which plays a role in many aspects of growth and development.

Doctors can measure estradiol levels with a…. Sperm count is a key factor in fertility. Medications, alcohol, stress, and other influences can reduce sperm count and reduce fertility at the same…. Does Clomid work for male infertility? What is clomiphene citrate? Does it work in males? When do doctors prescribe it?

Side effects Other male fertility treatments Summary Clomid is the former brand name of the drug clomiphene citrate, which doctors use to treat infertility in females. Share on Pinterest In some cases, a doctor may prescribe clomiphene citrate to treat male infertility.

When do doctors prescribe it for males? Side effects. Share on Pinterest Clomiphene citrate can cause headaches and dizziness. Other male fertility treatments. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What to know about fertility supplements. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. Male infertility and you Infertility can be a tough issue to deal with for either sex. How does sperm motility affect fertility? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD. What is an estradiol test and why is it used? Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.

They include:. There is a slightly higher risk of having a multiple pregnancy when taking Clomid. This rate is around 7 percent for twins, and below 0. You should speak with your doctor about this risk and whether you are able to carry twins or other multiples. They may suggest more aggressive monitoring if you are unwilling or unable to carry a twin pregnancy. Clomid can also reduce the amount and quality of your cervical mucus.

When exposed to estrogen, cervical mucus is thin and watery, which helps the sperm cells travel up to the fallopian tubes. When taking Clomid, estrogen levels are lower, causing the cervical mucus to be thicker than usual. This can interfere with the ability of the sperm to get into the uterus and fallopian tubes. So far, there is no conclusive data that Clomid increases cancer risk in women.

But there is some research suggesting a possible increase in endometrial cancer with the use of ovulation-inducing agents. To date, the research has not shown a significant risk for miscarriage, birth defects, or other pregnancy complications. You should speak with your doctor about any specific concerns. It may just mean that you need a different form of treatment or that something additional is going on. Your doctor will likely suggest additional testing to identify these issues so they can be corrected before future treatment cycles.

This process results from a complicated series of hormonal changes that occur in the beginning of her cycle. This egg then travels down the fallopian tube where it may or may not be fertilized by a sperm cell. If the egg is fertilized, it may implant in the uterine lining and cause a pregnancy. Without regular ovulation, it can become difficult to get pregnant. The odds of a woman getting pregnant by having sex while on her period are low, but not zero.