Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a common medicine used to trigger ovulation. If you’re trying to get pregnant, this is one of the first drugs doctors try. Many women who don’t ovulate regularly will start ovulating on Clomid — roughly 70–80% respond and a good number conceive over several cycles. Here’s what you need to know in plain language so you can ask the right questions and stay safe.
Clomid tricks your body into thinking estrogen is low, which boosts hormones that make your ovaries release an egg. The usual starting dose is 50 mg once daily for five days, often taken on cycle days 3–7 or 5–9 depending on your doctor’s plan. If you don’t ovulate, the dose may be raised to 100 mg in the next cycle. Your clinic will often track ovulation with home urine tests, blood hormone checks, or ultrasound. Stick to the schedule your provider gives — timing matters for when to try for pregnancy and when to check for ovulation.
Common side effects are hot flashes, mood swings, breast tenderness, and mild headaches. Some people report blurred vision or floaters — if that happens, stop the drug and call your doctor. Clomid raises the chance of twins or more; multiple pregnancy risks go up, so your clinic will monitor growth closely. Don’t take Clomid if you’re already pregnant, have liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Clomid is prescription-only in most countries. That means you should get it through a licensed clinic or pharmacy. If you consider buying online, verify the pharmacy: look for a physical address, pharmacist contact, and clear prescription requirements. Avoid sites that sell without a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether a generic (clomiphene citrate) is appropriate — generics are usually cheaper and work the same.
Clomid is sometimes used off-label in men to raise testosterone and improve sperm numbers. That can work, but it needs medical oversight and hormone checks to be safe. Don’t self-prescribe.
Plan for follow-up: you may need blood tests to check hormones and ultrasounds to watch follicles. If you have conditions like PCOS, your doctor may combine lifestyle changes, metformin, or timed intercourse/ART depending on your response.
Bottom line: Clomid is effective and widely used, but it’s not risk-free. Use it under medical guidance, report any vision changes or severe symptoms, and buy only from reputable pharmacies that require a prescription. If you want help understanding dosing or what to expect during treatment, talk to your fertility provider or pharmacist — they’ll walk you through the specifics for your situation.
