What is a Clomid Cycle?

A Clomid cycle is a round of medication taken during the menstrual cycle with the goal of promoting ovulation. This is used as a first line treatment for infertility in many couples. In addition to being used in the treatment of infertility, Clomid is also used offlabel by some bodybuilders.

Clomid is a brand name for clomifene citrate, a medication marketed under a number of different medications. In a Clomid cycle, the patient is directed to start taking the Clomid at a specific point during her menstrual cycle and to continue taking the medication for five days. The directions vary, depending on the clinician and studies have shown that variances in direction do not seem to have an impact on fertility rates; women should not be concerned, in other words, if their medication directions vary from those provided to friends.

The medication increases the chances that a woman will successfully ovulate during a menstrual cycle. Sometimes, a single Clomid cycle is enough to address infertility and a woman successfully gets pregnant. In other cases, the cycle must be repeated several times over multiple menstrual cycles. The doctor may also adjust the dosage. Generally, more than six Clomid cycles are not recommended.

Before prescribing Clomid, a doctor will thoroughly evaluate the patient and her partner to learn more about the nature of the infertility. Both partners are tested to see if they have medical issues that could be contributing to infertility and the woman is screened for risk factors that might make Clomid unsafe or not particularly useful. If the outcome of the testing suggests that a Clomid cycle might be valuable, the doctor can write a prescription and provide instructions.

This fertility drug is taken in the form of oral tablets. It is important to follow directions for timing the medication during the Clomid cycle carefully, as the menstrual cycle is complex and taking the medication at the wrong stage will make it less effective. Patients should also be aware that the dosage should not be changed without the advice of a doctor. At high doses, Clomid can actually interfere with fertility by thinning cervical mucus and thinning the uterine lining, making it harder for a woman to get pregnant.

If Clomid cycles are not successful, more invasive fertility treatments can be explored. These can include the use of additional medications, along with options like in vitro fertilization. As procedures become more complex, the costs also rise, and couples considering fertility treatment may want to consult with a counselor before they start to discuss their goals, how much time and money they are willing to invest, and alternatives.