What is Clomid?
Clomid (short clomiphene citrate) is an oral fertility drug that has been on the market for over 25 years. In fact, Clomid is often the first drug given to women who are struggling with infertility. Many women find this drug to be highly successful in helping them conceive. If your doctor recommends you try the medication, you need to find out all you can about it.
Do you know how Clomid works?
Clomid helps by stimulating the ovaries to produce an egg and ovulate. The exact mechanism of Clomid is not well understood, but in women who produce estrogen, it increases certain hormones (LH, FSH). This, in turn, causes the follicle to grow which triggers the LH surge and thus induces ovulation.
What do you need to know about Clomid?
When taking any medication, you should do all you can to learn about its mechanisms, side effects, and success rates. First, you should have a thorough conversation with your fertility specialist to decide if Clomid may be right for and you and also learn what to expect when beginning the treatment.
There is a lot to learn about Clomid. For example, what is the most important thing you should do when taking Clomid? When will you ovulate after taking your last pill? Does Clomid increase your chances of having twins? What side effects should you expect to have when starting the drug?
Take the Clomid knowledge quiz created by Dr. Amos Grunebaum, to find out how much you know about it!