Clomid For Ovulatory Disorder
Introduction to ovulation
Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary, moves along the fallopian tube and is available to be fertilized by the sperm.
Approximately one egg will mature within one of the ovaries and is released. This egg will live approximately for about 12 hours to 24 hours.
Without proper ovulation, it is hard for women to conceive.
Ovulation disorder
Ovulation disorder is a condition in which the normal ovulation process is affected. Factors such as stress, diet, excessive exercise, ovarian condition, medicine and drug can cause ovulation disorder.
Ovulatory disorders account for about 20% to 30% of all infertility patients.
Clomid for Ovulation disorder
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) is a common drug used to treat women who suffers from ovulation disorder.
How Is Clomid Given?
You should follow the instruction of the doctor strictly as the proper timing to consume the drug is important. The doctor will usually advise you to take the drug on the 2nd or 4th day of the menstrual cycle and you will need to take it for 5 days.
At the beginning, the dosage given will be 50mg a day. Lowest possible dosage is given first in order to prevent any negative effects from the drug that may affect fertility.
The dosage may be increased if necessary in order to achieve ovulation.
You are advised to have sexual intercourse between the 6th and 21st day of your menstrual cycle.
Success rates with Clomid induction of ovulation
In one study published on Human Reproduction, 73% of 5000 patients given Clomid will ovulate, 36% percent conceived eventually and 29% percent gave birth.
Other studies have reported pregnancy success rates between 30 and 40 percent when using Clomid. The live birth rate would be slightly lower due to pregnancy losses.
However, it should be noted that success rate will vary with the cause of ovulatory disorder and whether other infertility factors are also present.
Side effects, risks and disappointments
Known side effects include hot-flushes, blurring of vision, dizziness and headaches. However, these side effects rarely occur.
There is about 7% to 10% chance of multiple pregnancy occurring for patients treated with Clomid.
Possible side effects:
- Mood swings, psychological / emotional side effects
- Hot flashes
- Abdominal discomfort
- Visual disturbances
- Ovarian cyst formation
- Nausea
- Thinning of the uterine endometrial lining
- Reduced production of cervical mucous - this can lower fertility (bypassed by insemination)
What if you do not conceive after six months of Clomid?
If Clomid does not help you get pregnant after six months (six cycles of treatment), your doctor should suggest you to try something else.
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