Clomid
There can be many reasons why a woman isn’t able to conceive naturally. There are medications that can help with the odds. The use of Clomid can be a good option for some women. It is also less expensive than IVF procedures. Some women aren’t able to create viable eggs due to ovarian failure or pituitary issues. The use of this medication can help them bypass that roadblock.
Reasons to use
With Clomid, a woman can increase her chances of naturally getting pregnant. It helps to stimulate the eggs and the hormones that release them. It enhances the natural process of ovulation. An assessment must be completed in order to verify what the underlying infertility issue is. Not all issues will be ones that this type of medication can assist with.
It is important to understand the use of Clomid can often result in multiple fetus formations in the uterus. This includes twins and triplets, but a single birth is also possible.
Dosing
It is very imprtant to carefully follow the directions of your doctor when you take Clomid. It is taken orally. Don’t skip doses and don’t change the amount of your dose on your own. Your doctor should start you out with a low dose in order to see how you respond to it. If you do well, it may be necessary to increase the dose to give you additional benefits with it.
When you take Clomid will be very specific, based on your ovulation cycle and body temperature. You will be given precise instructions for how to do this and when to time your sexual intercourse in an effort to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
The dose of Clomid will be based on the weight of the woman, her overall health assessment, and how well she is responding to this type of therapy. The use of this medication shouldn’t exceed six menstrual cycles at a time.
Possible Side Effects
Most women are able to tolerate Clomid well, without any side effects. Those that do experience them find they are mild. The side effects should diminish over a couple of weeks as your body gets used to it. Such side effects can include:
- Bloating
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Hot flashes
- Upset stomach
- Tenderness around the breasts
Tell your doctor if they linger after a few weeks or the side effects get worse. The higher the dose of Clomid, the higher the risk of possible side effects. Their goal should be to help you find the best dose for benefits but also the least amount to help reduce the risk of such side effects.
If you experience serious side effects, you need to reach out to your doctor right away. They may need to adjust your dose or change your medication from Clomid to another product. Such serious side effects include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Blurred vision
- Mood changes
While it is rare, some individuals are allergic to Clomid. If you experience any of the following when you start taking it, make sure you seek immediate medical attention:
- Itching
- Rash
- Swelling of the face or hands
- Difficulty breathing
Disclose any allergies you have to your doctor as some of the ingredients in Clomid may not be something you are a good candidate for.
Precautions
The use of Clomid can cause a condition known as OHSS (Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome). While this is rare, it can cause fluid to build up around the heart. Report to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following so they can test you for OHSS:
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling around the pelvis
- Rapid weight gain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Painful urination
Tell your doctor if you have experienced any ovarian issues including cysts. If you have had issues with enlarged ovaries, you may not be a good candidate for the use of Clomid. Individuals with blood clots or liver disease shouldn’t use this medication.
Do not use Clomid with alcohol or marijuana as it can cause severe dizziness. Don’t operate a vehicle or machinery until you know how you will respond to the use of it. Regular pregnancy testing should be conducted. If you test positive, the use of this medication should immediate stop.
Drug Interactions
Disclose all products you are taking to your doctor. This includes herbal supplements, over the counter products, and prescription medications. Some of them may adversely interact with Clomid, causing you to need to change what you rely on. Your doctor can assist you with finding safe alternatives if necessary.
