Clomid is a nonsteroidal fertility medication. When we use this medication, the hormones required to stimulate ovulation (releasing an egg from your ovary) are discharged by the pituitary gland. Clomid, a nonsteroidal estrogen, has a more extended interaction with the binding proteins of the estrogen receptor. Clomid behaves similarly to an antiestrogen. It is thought that this hormone regulates and controls the release of regulatory hormones from the hypothalamus, which in turn allows for normal follicle formation and ovulation.
Clomid is commonly used for irregular periods and polycystic-ovarian syndrome (PCOS), in women who wish to become pregnant. Women with liver disease or ovarian cysts should not take Clomid unless they are advised by their doctor. Clomid should not be considered a miracle cure for all women who desire to become pregnant. Clomid may be used when there is no other option, such as in cases of undiagnosed infertility.
How Clomid Works?
It is essential to understand the basics of regular ovulation to know how and why clomiphene works. Usually, one egg is produced by a woman’s ovary every 24 to 35 calendar days. Ovulation occurs 12-14 days before the next period. The best time for a woman to become pregnant is between the day of ovulation and one to two days before ovulation. This would be 12-14 days after the 28-day menstrual period. Day 1 is the day that you start bleeding.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that makes women more likely to respond to clomiphene. Women with low estrogen levels or absence of periods (called “hypothalamic amenorrhea”) or high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are indicators of ovarian age (early menstruation or primary ovarian insufficiency), are less likely to respond to clomiphene.
Day 1 of Cycle: It’s Your Periods
Your doctor might tell you that the official day of your period is the day after it began. It all depends on when your period started. Clomid will be required to be taken on specific days during your cycle. Some tests may be required on certain days. Call your doctor if you have only spotting. You may never experience full flow. To determine where you are in your cycle, your doctor can look at your bloodwork. Your doctor may perform a “random starting” if you have irregular periods or don’t get one. Your blood work will be checked to determine if you are a baseline for Clomid start.
If you have irregular periods, your doctor might prescribe Provera (medroxyprogesterone), a form of progesterone. This medication will cause a period. Your doctor may ask you to have a beta pregnancy test done via blood work to ensure that you are not pregnant.
Cycle Days 2-3: Baseline Ultrasound
A baseline ultrasound check may be requested by your doctor if you call your doctor on day one of your cycle. A fertility specialist is more likely to perform this. Transvaginally, the ultrasound appointment takes less than a minute. Transvaginal ultrasounds are performed using an ultrasound probe that is inserted through your vagina.
Cysts on the ovaries are what your doctor will be looking for. This is not the same as tiny cysts that can be seen with polycystic eggs. The doctor will look for a more giant cyst in this instance. The ultrasound usually doesn’t show anything. Your cycle can continue as planned if everything is fine. Your doctor may cancel your process if the ultrasound shows a cyst. To try again, you may have to wait until next month. Don’t be alarmed if they find a cyst. These cysts are not usually dangerous and will often disappear on their own. Unfortunately, you will need to wait for treatment to begin.
Cycle Days 3-5: Clomid Start
After you have been cleared by your doctor, your doctor will give you your first dose. For five days, you’ll only need to take one dose per day. However, Clomid will not be taken on the first day.
You may be told by your doctor to take Clomid pills in one of these sequences:
- The 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th day of your cycle.
- The 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th day of your cycle.
Although this is less common, some doctors recommend that you begin treatment on either cycle day 2 or 4, but it is still possible. Clomid starting on day 3 or day 5 doesn’t seem like it will make a difference in pregnancy success rate.
Your doctor might ask you to change your start day for your next cycle in some instances. This is to determine if it will make a difference. It is best to take Clomid every day at the same time. Some people believe that sleeping before bed can help with side effects. Some people do better taking the pill in the morning.
Clomid can be taken at different times of the day if you are on another Clomid cycle. However, it is best to consult your doctor before changing the time of the day.
Clomid begins to work on Cycle Days 3-9
Clomid won’t cause you to ovulate for five days. Clomid starts a chain reaction which eventually leads to ovulation with the first dose. The hormone FSH produced will signal ovaries to reproduce and mature the eggs, then be released during ovulation. As they grow, estrogen is released by the follicles. A decrease in estrogen signals that FSH production has slowed down. This causes the stimulation of the ovaries to slow down.
Clomid befools the brain, which tells it that estrogen levels in the body are relatively low. Clomid blocks estrogen binding to its receptor. The receptors cannot detect estrogen even though it is present in your bloodstream.
As the estrogen levels appear to be low, the female body responds by producing a GnRH hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This hormone, in turn, signals pituitary glands to produce more FSH and LH. More level of FSH, it will stimulate the eggs, whereas LH hormone will trigger the process of ovulation.
The chain reaction started by Clomid can go on for an entire month though you take the pill for only 5 days. The side effects are evident even the days after your last dose.
Cycle Days 10-21: Monitor Follicular Growth
Most gynecologists won’t recommend Clomid treatment cycles. However, this is something that many reproductive endocrinologists do. Clomid cycles are monitored by fertility doctors for two main reasons.
- Keep an eye on the number of follicles that grow to cancel a cycle if there is more than one.
- Time a trigger shot (or intrauterine insemination).
The monitoring of the cycle begins a few days after you take your Clomid pill. It may require ultrasounds and bloodwork every few days until you ovulate. Your doctor will take measurements of the growing follicles and then decide based on their growth whether to give you a trigger shot (if necessary), IUI or intercourse.
Your doctor may recommend that you skip the cycle if two mature-sized follicles are present. Although twin conceiving is more likely with two large follicles, it’s still possible. Discuss with your doctor whether it is essential for you to not have twins.
Your doctor will cancel your cycle if there are three or more mature follicles. This means that you won’t be allowed to have sex to avoid having children. If you had an IUI or trigger shot to avoid multiple pregnancies, they would not be given. This poses serious risks for your future babies.
You should not ignore your doctor’s warnings if your cycle is canceled. It may seem tempting to ignore them and continue having sex. This could be an indication that Clomid is affecting your cruel body ways. Your doctor may adjust your treatment next time so that it doesn’t stimulate as many eggs. It will be good for your health if you wait for the next cycle, which in this case, is far better than carrying a high-risk pregnancy.
Cycle Days 15-25: Trigger Shot
A fertility specialist may recommend an injection that triggers the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), along with the dose of Clomid, which is generally known as a trigger shot. A trigger shot starts the ovulation process to happen within 24 to 36 hours of injecting. Your doctor may prescribe a trigger shot to speed up IUI or intercourse or give your ovaries an extra boost.
When you read about pregnancy tests, you may have come across hCG (the pregnancy hormone). The body similarly responds to hCG as LH (the hormone that peaks just before ovulation) and signals the follicles for rupture and the release of an egg.
The trigger shot is generally given seven to nine days after taking your last Clomid Pill. However, it can be given earlier if ultrasound monitoring determines that your follicles require more time to mature before being released by their follicle beds.
Cycle Days 10-17: IUI/Timed Intercourse and Ovulation
Clomid is most effective when taken between days 3 and 7. This means that Clomid can be used on days 10, 11, or 16. Clomid taken on days 5 to 9 is more likely to induce ovulation However, ovulation may occur up to 10 days after the last Clomid pill. This is something you should keep in mind. Ovulation could occur within 24 to 36 hours if you received a trigger shot.
You should have sex every day three days after your last clomid pill or as suggested by the doctor. Continue to have sex until your doctor confirms that ovulation has occurred. A body basal temperature chart (BBT) or a progesterone test (given on the 21st day of the cycle) may verify your ovulation.
Is your IUI cycle complete? Your doctor will determine when you should visit for an IUI. This is based on the timing of your trigger shots and your ultrasounds. You can have sex at home on your fertile days in most cases.
Cycle Days 19 and 21: Progesterone Blood Test
Both fertility specialists and gynecologists will typically order a progesterone test between days 19-21. However, it can be done later if your doctor knows that you have ovulated after day 21.
Progesterone, a hormone that rises following ovulation, and a test can be taken to confirm that Clomid caused it. It also ensures that progesterone levels are not too low. Your doctor may recommend a vaginal progesterone supplement if they are too low.
Cycle Days 21-35 – The Wait of 2 Weeks
After you ovulate, the two-week wait ends with either a positive pregnancy test result or your period. This is the most challenging part of the clomid cycle. You can only wait to see if the process worked.
During the two-week wait, mild symptoms may occur of ovarian hyperstimulation disorder (OHSS). Bloating is the most common symptom of OHSS. Although it is rare to have a severe case while taking Clomid, it can happen. If you have any concerns or symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Cycle Days 28 & 35: Pregnancy Test
A beta pregnancy test, which measures the amount of hCG in the blood, may be ordered by your doctor during the two-week wait. Or they may request blood work only at the end. You may also be asked to do an at-home pregnancy check between days 28 and 35. If you receive a positive result, they will instruct you to call.
Congratulations if the test comes back positive! Your doctor will likely keep an eye on your pregnancy for several weeks to ensure it is running smoothly and verify if twins or more have been conceived. It’s normal to feel more anxious than excited if you are feeling nervous. It can be challenging to become pregnant after infertility because of motherly instincts and emotions.
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant on Clomid?
The average menstrual cycle for women is 28 days long, with fluctuations in Gonadotropins, pituitary hormones, and phases of the luteal phase. There are follicular phases and luteal phases. The follicular phase includes the release of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. These hormones help to prepare and facilitate the growth and maturation of the ovum. In preparation for conception, the luteal phase involves the elevation of estrogens and progesterone. This occurs after ovulation has happened from day 18.
Clomid pills are usually taken between 5 and 10 days before ovulation. Clomid is most effective if taken between days 3 and 7. However, ovulation can occur up to 10 days after the last Clomid pill.
Early Signs of Pregnancy Following Clomid
Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life. It brings you a baby and changes your life. You should find out as soon as possible if there is even a slight chance you are pregnant.
The following points explain what are the early signs of pregnancy after Clomid.
Tenderness of Breasts
Within one to two weeks after conception, many women experience tenderness and swelling in their breast tissue. Breast tenderness can also be caused by Clomid in high doses. It is difficult to distinguish the cause of this condition. This symptom can increase if you are pregnant. It may also continue to worsen as your pregnancy progresses. These symptoms may subside after the Clomid is released from your body gradually.
Vomiting and Nausea
Nausea and vomiting are other common symptoms of pregnancy. These symptoms usually appear between two to eight weeks after conception. Clomid high doses can cause nausea and vomiting, just as breast tenderness. This symptom may persist into the first trimester of pregnancy.
Implantation Bleeding
Women may experience slight bleeding or spotting after the fertilized egg implants in the lining of their uterus. This symptom may appear around a week before your next period. This could indicate a growing baby.
Fatigue
Many pregnant women experience fatigue during pregnancy. This may happen as soon as one week after conception. This symptom may also be caused by side effects of Clomid, which can mimic the symptoms. Some women wonder if they are actually pregnant or a side effect of the medicine they have taken to conceive.
You are missing your period.
Your regular period may be missed if your fertility treatment is successful and Clomid works as it should. Some women may experience brief periods in early pregnancy. However, many experience an abrupt stoppage of their menstrual cycles. This will indicate that a fetus is growing in the mother’s womb.
Risks of Taking Clomid When You Already Ovulate
Clomid, a pill, is taken during the early five days of menstrual cycles. Clomid has been used in the United States to treat infertility since 1967. It has a reasonable success rate with a low (5-8%) chance of multiple gestations. Clomid can induce ovulation in women who have not yet ovulated. To increase fertility and induce ovulation, this oral pill can be taken by women with ovulatory problems, such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). The brain may not send the proper signal to the ovaries to induce ovulation in some types of ovulatory disorders. The hormones FSH and LH are used to transmit this signal. This hormone is released by the brain and can cause ovulation.
It can be used to induce “superovulation” in women who have already begun to ovulate, which means that women will release more than one egg in a month. Women who frequently ovulate usually conceive only one egg per month. In the absence of fertility medication, singleton pregnancies are more common. Clomid increases the amount of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) released that is secreted from the pituitary glands of the female. FSH may stimulate more eggs to ovulate if there is a higher level of FSH in the ovary. It usually causes two to three eggs to ovulate. This increases pregnancy rates and also increases the chances of multiple gestations (twins, triplets). Clomid does not increase the risk of multiple pregnancies.
What are the potential risks associated with multiple gestations?
Clomid is used by approximately 5-8% of women who have multiple gestations. These pregnancies almost always result in twins. However, 1% of Clomid-using women conceive triplets. A pre-ovulation ultrasound can show you the number of eggs you are likely to produce and help you estimate your risk for multiple gestations. If too many eggs are developing, your doctor may decide to cancel your cycle. You will have to continue using contraception until your next period. The dose of Clomid will be lowered so that the chances of multiple gestations are less.
To ensure your hormone levels are correct, you will need to have your blood tested. Your doctor may also need to run a few cycles to determine if you are ovulating. Clomid can not only stimulate your ovaries to produce eggs and ovulate, but it can also ensure that your ovulation is strong.
Taking Clomid Without a Period
It is possible to take Clomid without any periods. This is one reason it’s recommended. Clomid usually starts on the third or fifth day of the menstrual cycle. Doctors may prescribe progesterone-like medications to induce the period. This is what can happen if your cycles are irregular and you’re seeing an ob-gyn doctor for fertility treatment.
After a recent article was published, fertility specialists adopted this new thinking approach, which suggested that a period is unnecessary for fertility pills to be successful. The chances of success are even lower if fertility medications induce a period in the females trying to conceive a baby. This is known as the “stair step protocol,” which means less time to induce ovulation and less time to conceive a child.
Clomid is still traditionally used by most ob-gyn physicians. Fertility specialists are more up-to-date on the latest treatments and are more likely to offer the stair step. Your doctor will need you to prove that you are not pregnant or have not had a fetus before beginning fertility drugs. These drugs can be more harmful than beneficial if they are used at the wrong time.
Clomid Cramps After Ovulation
Clomid can cause severe ovulation pain. Clomid can cause a marked increase in ovaries. However, not all follicles will ovulate simultaneously. This causes persistent pain and the perception that the pain is constant. If the pain does not subside within 24 hours, an ultrasound scan should rule out hemorrhagic cysts. Clomid patients are at high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. This can be checked by ultrasound.
What are the symptoms of ovulation cramps?
Ovulation cramping can cause mild discomfort or severe pain. Sometimes it can be challenging to pinpoint the source of the pain. Ovulation cramping can be described as pain in one side of the abdomen. This usually lasts between 3-12 hours. A person who has had an ovarian procedure may feel cramps until menstruation.
Here are some characteristics of ovulation cramping.
- The pain on the sides of the abdomen
- Pain or cramping during mid-menstrual cycle
- cramping that changes sides every month
- Pain that is severe and sharp.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Clomid ?
There are some adverse effects that Clomid can cause. Some women who use Clomid may experience adverse effects, but not all. Clomid can have the following side effects on women who stop using it:
Hot flashes
Sometimes, hot flashes can be a side effect of Clomid. These hot flashes are similar to those experienced by a menopausal woman. These are irritating and usually not severe enough for you to stop taking the medication.
The thinner uterine endometrial lining
Clomid treatment cycles can cause some women to have a thin uterine wall (endometrium). This is due to Clomid’s anti-estrogenic effects. The development of thickened endometrium is stimulated by estrogen during a natural menstrual cycle.
Clomid, which is anti-estrogenic, can sometimes prevent the development of total thickness. We prefer an endometrial thickness of 8 to 9 millimeters. Clomid cycles can sometimes result in the lining not getting thicker than 6-7 mm.
Visual disturbances
Sometimes, visual abnormalities like blurred vision or flashes of light can be experienced. Clomid should not be used if these symptoms occur.
Mood swings and psychological side effects
Clomid can cause emotional or psychological side effects. Clomid can cause adverse psychological side effects in approximately one-fourth of women. These side effects are sometimes described as “severe mood swings” and “increased irritability.”
Many women claim that they experience “really bad PMS” after taking the drug. These side effects may not be shared by all women. These side effects can usually be tolerated, but some women may discontinue taking the medication.
Best Days to Take Clomid for Success
Clomid has a 73 percent success rate in ovulation. Clomid can induce ovulation in as many as 80 percent of women. Clomid can be used to improve a woman’s fertility and increase her chances of getting pregnant.
The sperm can survive up to 7 days in the female reproductive system. Start sex the day after your last Clomid dose. As Clomid ovulation approaches, you can increase the frequency of your sex.
Due to an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, Clomid should be stopped after six cycles. Clomid should be taken at the same time each day. Some people believe that taking a pill before bed can help with side effects. You can take Clomid at a different time of day if you are on another Clomid cycle. However, don’t change your schedule once you start it.
Although you won’t experience ovulation for the first five days of Clomid use, Clomid will start a chain reaction, eventually leading to ovulation.