Pre-Pregnancy: ClomidQ.How can I tell if Clomid is working?A.Clomiphene (Clomid) works in a rather roundabout way. It binds to chemical receptors in the brain which normally detect oestrogen. When these receptors are prevented from detecting oestrogen, they stimulate more of the hormone which stimulates ovulation. Unfortunately, clomiphene also binds to similar chemical receptors in the uterus and cervix, which can lead to difficulties with sperm transport and difficulties with implantation. Therefore, for some women taking clomiphene, they 'lose on the swings what they gain on the roundabouts'. Only slightly more than half of the women who are stimulated to ovulate with clomiphene will conceive as a result. Clomiphene usually induces a cycle of about 28-32 days if it works, and the only way to be sure is to have blood taken for the hormone progesterone about a week before your period is due (sometimes this means blood needs to be taken on several days). The dose can be increased to 150mg for five days or, rarely, even higher. If your husband has a very low sperm count, the clomiphene is not going to help, even if you start to ovulate regularly. |
