Clomid works by stimulating production of the hormones needed to create and release an egg during ovulation. Women may take Clomid because they do not ovulate regularly, because they have unexplained infertility, or because they need to stimulate egg production for IUI or IVF.

About Clomid

Clomid increases the body’s production of the hormones needed to ovulate. That is, Clomid increases the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) needed to create an egg and release one or more eggs from the follicle during ovulation.

During clinical trials for Clomid, about 7% of pregnancies led to twins, about 0.5% of pregnancies led to triplets and 0.3% to quadruplets.

How to Take Clomid

Clomid is taken for 5 days at the start of a woman’s period. After 5 days, the increase in LH tells the body to release an egg from the ovaries.

Clomid may need to be taken for up to 3 months before regular ovulation occurs. Once ovulation occurs, Clomid should work within 6 months. If it is not effective in that time, another treatment needs to be considered.

Clomid Side Effects

Side effects of Clomid include the following:

• Stomach upset

• Bloating

• Hot flashes

• Breast tenderness

• Headache

• Dizziness