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Clomid is often the first ovulation inducing medication prescribed by the OB/GYN. It should never by prescribed without a semen analysis of the male partner. Treatment of the female with Clomid when an undiagnosed male infertility problem is present could waste valuable resources and, most importantly in older women, time.
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and directly stimulates the production of eggs within the ovarian follicles. The pituitary gland is "stimulated" by a complex interaction of chemical events controlled by the hypothalamus, a gland located at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus must stimulate the pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutinizing hormone (LH) at the appropriate times for follicular recruitment, development and ovulation to occur.
Clomid acts upon the hypothalamus causing it to secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates the pituitary to secrete FSH. Many factors can cause hypothalamic insufficiencies leading to ovulatory disorders including, excess exercise, stress, PCOS sudden weight lose, and some medications.
Clomid should not be used for more than three to six months. The length of treatment is dependent upon many factors including the cause(s) of infertility, the age of the patient, her laboratory values and other variables. The likelihood of success with clomiphene is highest during the first three months and diminishes thereafter.
Clomid side effects can include visual disturbances, nausea, cramping, and others. The most severe, and very unlikely, side effect is ovarian hyperstimulation which is characterized by enlarged ovaries, pain, plural effusion, possible stoke and other symptoms. Detailed information on potential side effects can be obtained from rxlist.com.
Clomid can also produce multiple births. The chance of multiple births with ovulation inducing agents is minimized when patients are carefully followed by a fertility specialist trained in the administration of infertility medications.
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