Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a widely used pill to trigger ovulation. Doctors prescribe it when ovulation is irregular or absent — common in PCOS and unexplained infertility. You take it early in the cycle to encourage your ovaries to release eggs. Many people prefer Clomid because it’s oral, low-cost, and has a long history of use.
How it works is straightforward: Clomid blocks estrogen receptors in the brain. That tells the body to make more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Higher FSH/LH levels nudge the ovaries to mature follicles and release an egg. For most women, ovulation happens 5–10 days after a typical Clomid course.
Typical dosing starts at 50 mg daily for five days, usually beginning on day 3–5 of your period. If ovulation doesn’t occur, doctors may increase to 100 mg or 150 mg in later cycles. Never change dose on your own. Your clinician may monitor with ultrasound or blood tests to check follicle growth and hormone levels.
Watch for common side effects: hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, and nausea. Some people notice blurred vision or flashes of light — stop Clomid and call your doctor if that happens. There is a small risk of having multiple pregnancies (twins or more), and a rare risk of ovarian hyperstimulation if many follicles grow at once. Monitoring reduces these risks.
Timing matters. Having intercourse every day or every other day during the fertile window gives you the best chance. The fertile window is generally the day of ovulation and the five days prior. If your cycles are tracked with ovulation tests or ultrasound, plan sex around the expected ovulation after a Clomid cycle.
Clomid interacts with few common drugs, but tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take. Avoid starting new herbal products without advice, since some can affect hormones or lab tests. If you have liver disease, uncontrolled thyroid problems, or certain uterine issues, Clomid might not be appropriate.
If you’re ordering Clomid online, pick licensed pharmacies and a verified prescription. Be cautious of unmarked pills or sellers offering “no-prescription” options — those are risky. Ask your healthcare provider about reputable online pharmacies if cost or access is a concern.
What if Clomid doesn’t work? Options include moving to injectable gonadotropins, letrozole (often preferred for PCOS), or assisted reproductive techniques like IUI or IVF. Your doctor will suggest a plan based on your age, test results, and fertility goals.
Keep notes each cycle: dates, side effects, ovulation results, and intercourse timing. That record helps your doctor adjust treatment fast. If you feel overwhelmed, fertility clinics and counselors can provide support beyond medical care.
Success rates vary: younger women under 35 may see 30–40% ovulation success per cycle and 10–20% pregnancy rate per cycle, depending on diagnosis. Most doctors limit Clomid to six cycles before re-evaluating. Talk with your provider about testing for male factors and uterine health — fertility is a couple issue. Keep asking questions until you understand risks and next steps.
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