The Benefits and Risks of Clomid
Many women who have had difficulty conceiving have heard about Clomid, a fertility drug used to induce ovulation. At Dr. Sonja Kristiansen’s fertility center, many of our Houston patients come to us with questions regarding Clomid. As with all fertility treatments, Clomid is not the right choice for every patient. However, for those patients who do make good candidates for Clomid, this fertility drug can offer patients a number of benefits with little side effects and minimal risk.
Benefits of Clomid
The number one benefit of Clomid is its high success rates. For women who are not ovulating at all or for those who are ovulating too early or too late in their cycle, Clomid can temporarily treat ovulation problems by stimulating the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Clomid promotes the production of FSH by blocking the receptors that tell the body there is a significant production of estrogen. With these receptors blocked, the body will respond by producing FSH, which leads to the release of estrogen. Women who use Clomid alone as fertility treatment benefit from the following success rates:
- 80 percent chance of ovulating within the first three months of treatment
- A roughly 50 percent chance of conceiving in the first six months
While Clomid can be used successfully as fertility treatment on its own, it is also used successfully for ovulation stimulation during IVF treatment.
Side Effects of Clomid
Another benefit of Clomid is the fact that it produces minimal side effects. Only one in 10 women report experiencing side effects while on Clomid and the side effects are similar to those experienced prior to menstruation. The most likely side effects of Clomid include:
- Bloating
- Mood fluctuations
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Dizziness
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Clomid Risks
Clomid is generally considered to be one of the safest fertility drugs available. However, there are possible risks of which patients should be aware before beginning treatment. Aside from the possibility of the mild side effects listed above, the risks of Clomid include:
- Multiple births: While this is not considered a negative point for some, patients should be aware that the chance of multiple births will increase with the use of Clomid.
- Ovarian hyper stimulation: This condition, which is rare, may result in ovarian cysts and severe pelvic discomfort.
- Vision problems: A small percentage of patients who use Clomid may experience blurred vision, spots in the vision, or other visual irregularities.
Again, the possibility of complications occurring is rare. Most instances of complications occur only after prolonged use of Clomid, and many symptoms dissipate when the use of medication has ceased. Overall Clomid is considered a highly safe and effective medication.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have experienced prolonged difficulty conceiving, it may be time to consider fertility treatment. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sonja Kristiansen at your earliest convenience to learn more about the treatments available to aid in conception. From fertility drugs such as Clomid to IVF treatment, we have the treatments available to make parenthood a reality.
