PollenTree

Clomid (Clomifene)

Other brand names, Serophene, Milophene

This drug promotes ovulation by stimulating the hormones known as Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) in the pituitary glands to aid the release of eggs from the ovaries every month.

It does this by binding with oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus (the part of the brain controlling functions such as body temperature and which stimulates the secretion of the pituitary hormones).

It helps in the release of the Luteinising Hormone (LH). This hormone stimulates the ovaries in women and the testes in men.

The drug is a popular treatment for fertility problems in women such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and is also prescribed as part of the IVF treatment to aid ovulation.


Male infertility
The drug can also be used to treat male infertility such as a low sperm count or motility.


Course
The drug is taken in pill form for up to 5 days and the course is started 3 – 5 days into your monthly menstrual cycle and ovulation occurs when you stop taking the pill (this is known as the drug cycle).

Studies suggest that the drug is at its most effective if taken for 3 – 6 cycles and that after that the chances of pregnancy decline after each cycle. However, some treatment can involve 6 – 12 drug cycles.

It is a very expensive and popular fertility drug.

The drug is sometimes taken with Metformin which is a drug that reduces insulin levels. Clomid can however, be prescribed in conjunction with other fertility drugs.


Side effects
The reported side effects of Clomid include nausea and vomiting, mood swings, headaches,weight gain and a decrease in cervical mucus.


Research
Some research has linked the drug to ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer but this link is unproven and has been challenged. However, like the drug Human Menopausal Gondotrophins (hMG) it increases the chances of multiple pregnancies with an increased chance of conceiving twins or triplets.

Dosage will vary depending on the causes of infertility.