The ABC's of Using Clomid
Clomid is considered a first line therapy for inducing ovulation and helping a couple to conceive. It has been on the market for decades and is a proven method of treating infertility. Before beginning this therapy, or any other infertility treatment, it's important to know more about the regimen for using Clomid and the instructions you will receive for doing so.
Clomid Regimen
Clomid is a drug that is administered orally to a woman for approximately three to six months. If the woman doesn't conceive by this time, the fertility specialist will usually stop this treatment and look to other fertility methods. 50 mg a day are given for five days with the dosage increasing if ovulation does not occur. If 50 mg is not enough, then hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is added as well. Your doctor will explain this process in more detail and will give you the required medicine.
For the Patient
In general, this is what you can expect when you begin Clomid. Day 1 is considered the onset of your menses. Once you begin to menstruate, you'll call the office to schedule a baseline ultrasound. This has to be done before you can begin the medication. Starting around day 3, 4 or 5 you'll take the pill once a day for five days. You should ovulate 5-10 days after you've taken your last Clomid tablet. For the week before ovulation, and during the day you suspect you are ovulating, you should have intercourse approximately every other day. If you are using a kit to chart your ovulation, you should start to test your urine 3 or 4 days after your last Clomid tablet is taken and continue until you ovulate, or through day 18. Usually 4-6 days after your last pill, you should have an ultrasound and blood test done. Then, around the 21st to 25th day (usually 7-9 days after ovulating), you'll go to the office for blood tests for progesterone. This helps the doctor know important information about your ability to ovulate. Often, patients are given progesterone (P4) supplements after ovulation, usually beginning within three days of ovulation. A pregnancy test will be done if you don't start to have your menstruate around 14-16 days after ovulation.
Monitoring Your Cycles
While you are using Clomid, your cycles will be closely monitored. You'll have some, or all of the following things done to monitor your cycles. A baseline ultrasound will be taken to rule out residual follicles less than 15 mm. You'll have follicular monitoring with ultrasound and serum E2 levels started between days 4 and 6 after the last pill. You'll have a post-coital test 1-3 days after ovulation. If you do not become pregnant after six monitored-normal Clomid cycles, then you'll have ultrasound studies done to exclude luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome and laparoscopy to look for asymptomatic pelvic pathology.
Make sure to ask your doctor about any questions that you have about using Clomid. This is your body and you have the right to fully understand the drugs that you are taking and the side effects you may experience. Hopefully, Clomid will lead to your desired goal of having a baby; if it doesn't, don't give up hope, as there are many other drugs on the market that can help you to conceive as well!
