Clomid is generally prescribed for following conditions that might be cause of women’s infertility: anovulation, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstruation. It is also used to increase the number of follicles available for IVF treatment procedures.

Clomid in particular works by acting on a number of different receptors in the body regulating production and release of three hormones involved in the ovulation process:

• gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
• luteinizing hormone (LH)
• follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Clomid works by tricking the body into believing that levels of estrogen are lowered. As a result, brain begins to secrete increased levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which stimulates the release of other two hormones, LH and FSH. These hormones then trigger the ovaries to begin to mature more follicles, inducing the ovulation.

Clomid side effects are usually mild and not particularly troublesome, so women who are using this medication shouldn’t be worried. Side effects might include mood swings, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness or fatigue. Also, changes in cervical mucus are noted in 30% of women using Clomid, where cervical mucus becomes hostile to sperm, making the conception difficult.

The main risk associated with Clomid use is the potential for developing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS can occur not only with Clomid, but also with use of any type of ovulation stimulating drug,  when cysts begin to form on the ovaries. Usually,  OHSS disappears without treatment but, without proper monitoring it could cause potential complications including kidney and liver problems, fluids in the lungs and stomach or twisting the ovaries.
So, it is necessary that fertility specialist monitor you for any signs of OHSS if you are taking Clomid.

The success rate with Clomid depends on several factors, including:

• Possible cause of infertility – Clomid is most useful for women with ovulation problems
• The fertility of your partner – Be sure that your partner visits fertility specialist as well for possible causes of infertility
• Timing of your intercourse – Ovulation usually occurs 5 to 10 days after finishing treatment with Clomid
• Chance – Even the fertile couples who had an intercourse at the time of ovulation, might not become pregnant

Clomid is generally a very effective medication for most women suffering from ovulation problems. Between 70% and 90% of women taking Clomid begin to ovulate within the first three cycles. Furthermore, 40% of couples become pregnant during the first three cycles. Be aware that there is a 5% to 10% chance of twin and multiple pregnancy when taking Clomid.
Of course, there are other fertility medications that may be advertised to have higher success rates in terms of conception, but they costs more than Clomid, and they tend to pose much higher risks in terms of side effects. But, their success rates are not that much higher than success rates with Clomid. This is why Clomid is often prescribed before other fertility medications.

Keep in mind that taking Clomid does not guarantee that you’ll have successful conception. However, try not to become discouraged if you do not become pregnant right away. About half of the patients who successfully ovulate as a result of taking Clomid, will have a successful conception within six months.
But, you will need some patience. Even fertile couples need some time to get pregnant. Be sure to adopt healthy habits and diet, and consult your specialist about taking Clomid while trying to conceive.

Even slightly higher levels of androgens can prevent ovaries to produce mature developed eggs. And then each month follicles try to grow in an egg, but they become trapped in their growth since they are exposed to abnormal amount of androgens. This happens every month and over longer period of time and follicles that do not develop build up in ovaries which later leads to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

PCOS is also sometimes referred to as PCO (polycystic ovaries) or PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease). This condition is actually quite common, and it is estimated that PCOS affects about 8-10% of women of reproductive age may have PCOS.

Most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular periods or even a total lack of menstrual cycles.  Often
women with polycystic ovaries have an excess amount of testosterone and androstenedione. High levels of testosterone causes increased facial and body hair growth, which is called hirsutism, as is seen in the teens or early 20s, and gradually get worse over the years.

The infertility rate with polycystic ovaries is very high, which means women dealing with PCOS will very probably have problems when trying to conceive.

Most common fertility treatments for women with PCOS are:

• Clomid
• Femara (Letrozole)
• Metformin
• Injectable Gonadotropins
• IVF – In Vitro Fertilization

Clomid is one of the most common fertility treatments that is applied in women with PCOS for one reason: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome treatment addresses hormonal and ovary abnormalities, and historically Clomid success rates has been proved to be one of the most effective.  For example ¾ of women that are not ovulating will ovulate on Clomid at some dosing level, and as much as half women that ovulate with Clomid also get pregnant with it. Women who are younger than 35 and have PCOS have about a 10 to 15% chance for pregnancy per cycle with Clomid treatment and this statistics stays the same for about 3-4 months, which means that if they ovulate with Clomid and if sperm and fallopian tubes are normal, they do have 10-15% chance of getting pregnant for the first 4 months (menstrual cycles) on Clomid.

However, for women with PCOS the success rate is on the side of IVF: approximately 70% of women with PCOS will get pregnant with one IVF cycle, and approximately 60% of PCOS women will give live birth.