Ovulatory disorders account for about 20 - 30% of all infertility patients.
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid®) is a very common drug used to induce ovulation in such patients.
Your doctor will usually start you off on the smallest dosage which is 50 mg (1 tablet) daily. This is taken for 5 days either from the 2nd or the 5th day of your menstrual cycle.
The doctor will check for the effectiveness of this dosage by taking a blood test (serum progesterone) on the 21st to 23rd day of your menstrual cycle. The dosage can then be increased if necessary.
You are advised to have sexual intercourse between the 6th and 21st day of your menstrual cycle.
Success rates with Clomid induction of ovulationAs high as 80% of patients given Clomid® will ovulate and half of them will conceive. However, this varies with the cause of the ovulatory disorder and whether other infertility factors are also present.
Side effects, risks and disappointmentsKnown side effects include hot-flushes, blurring of vision, dizziness and headaches. However, they rarely occur.
There is a 10% chance of multiple pregnancy occuring, usually a twin pregnancy. There is also a slight increase in miscarriages.
A small group of patients will not respond to Clomid® and will need other fertility drugs and these are usually in the form of injections.
Clomid Telephone Service This service is introduced to reduce the number of outpatient visits and to have your queries answered.
Your doctor will have to register you with the nurse coordinators at the KKIVF. The nurse coordinators will then instruct you as to when to start the Clomid tablets and when to do your blood test (serum progesterone). They will call you a few days after the blood test results and advise you on the dosage for the next cycle. If you miss your menstrual period by a week, you should go for a pregnancy test and inform your doctor accordingly.
For enquiries, please contact our KKIVF Nurse Coordinators at 63941694/2 or fax at 62936415.
