Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a commonly prescribed fertility medication used to induce ovulation. It works by stimulating the ovaries to release eggs. While Clomid improves the chances of conception, there are also some things to avoid while taking it to maximize your odds of success.
Avoid missed doses
It is crucial to take Clomid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Missing doses or taking it inconsistently can impact its effectiveness. Clomid is typically taken for 5 days early in the menstrual cycle (cycle days 3-7). But your doctor may customize the timing depending on your situation. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Don’t take it without medical supervision
Never take Clomid without a prescription from your doctor. Only take the dosage your doctor prescribes based on your medical history and fertility evaluations. Taking it without medical guidance risks side effects and other potentially hazardous outcomes. Self-prescribing Clomid also bypasses critical monitoring procedures like ultrasounds and bloodwork.
Avoid taking it if you have certain medical conditions
Clomid is not suitable for everyone. Those with certain medical conditions or other risk factors should avoid it. Contraindications for Clomid use include:
- Pregnancy or suspicion of pregnancy
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Liver disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Tumors of the ovary, breast, uterus or brain
- Abnormal ovarian cysts
Inform your doctor about your complete medical history before starting Clomid. This medication may not be appropriate if you have certain conditions. Your doctor can recommend alternate fertility treatments if Clomid is unsafe for you.
Don’t take it with hormonal birth control
Do not take Clomid along with hormonal birth control like pills, patches, rings, shots, implants or IUDs. These birth control methods may interact with Clomid and counteract its effects. The added hormones can also increase your risk of developing ovarian cysts. Always use non-hormonal contraceptive methods like condoms or diaphragms while on Clomid. But refrain from sex after ovulation since the goal is conception.
Avoid certain foods and medications
Certain foods and medications can potentially disrupt Clomid treatment. Avoid the following while taking Clomid:
- Grapefruit juice – Can impact absorption
- High-fiber foods – Can bind to Clomid and reduce potency
- Calcium supplements – Can interfere with ovulation
- OTC drugs – Without medical guidance as interactions are possible
- Caffeine – Excess intake can lower fertility
- Alcohol – Can impede ovulation and conception
- Vitex or chasteberry supplements – Also stimulate ovulation so risks overstimulation
Check with your doctor before taking any new medications or supplements with Clomid. Always disclose your complete medication history too.
Don’t rely solely on Clomid for conception
Clomid enhances ovulation but additional therapies may be needed to achieve pregnancy. Do not depend entirely on Clomid without trying other fertility-boosting strategies like:
- Fertility-friendly lubricants
- At-home insemination
- Fertility monitoring and timed intercourse
- Lifestyle changes to improve egg quality
- Treating any underlying medical issues
- Considering IVF or other treatments if unresponsive to Clomid
Work closely with your doctor to determine if combinations of Clomid with other interventions can benefit you.
Avoid strenuous exercise
Extremely intense exercise is not recommended while taking Clomid. Light workouts are fine but overexertion could impact ovulation, conception and early pregnancy. Scale back high-intensity, prolonged exercise during treatment cycles. Opt for gentle activities like walking, swimming or yoga instead. But discuss with your doctor how to modify your normal fitness routine while trying to conceive with Clomid.
Don’t get pregnant with multiples
A significant side effect of Clomid is the increased chance of multiples like twins or triplets. Carrying multiple fetuses poses higher health risks to mother and babies. Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions and do not take extra Clomid in hopes of boosting your odds. Seek emergency care if you experience any concerning symptoms like severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, vomiting or fainting as these can indicate the possibility of multiple pregnancies.
Avoid extended use without doctor’s consent
Clomid treatment should not exceed six cycles without medical guidance. Using it longer without regular monitoring can mask underlying problems causing infertility. Discuss next steps with your doctor if six Clomid cycles fail to achieve pregnancy. Extended use also increases the risks of side effects like cysts and multiples. Always get your doctor’s green light before continuing Clomid use.
Don’t use if you are over BMI 35
Clomid is often ineffective for those with a BMI over 35. High body mass index interferes with normal ovulation and conceiving naturally. Losing weight should be the priority before starting fertility treatments. Discuss lifestyle interventions, medical guidance and support resources to get below BMI 35. Then reevaluate using Clomid to improve your chances of success.
Avoid becoming pregnant while breastfeeding
Do not take Clomid if you are currently breastfeeding. The medication can pass through breast milk and harm your baby. Plus, breastfeeding itself can inhibit successful ovulation and conception. Finish breastfeeding your baby and have normal menstrual cycles return before starting Clomid. Your doctor can help determine appropriate timing based on your circumstances.
Don’t use Clomid past age 35 without assessing egg supply
Women over 35 already contend with fewer, lower quality eggs. Using Clomid unsuccessfully at this age wastes precious remaining eggs without addressing underlying egg quantity issues. Have your doctor assess ovarian reserve before starting treatment. Steps like antral follicle counts, AMH testing and FSH levels can check egg supply. If diminished, you may need IVF with egg retrieval instead of more failed Clomid cycles.
Conclusion
When used properly, Clomid helps many couples struggling with infertility. But certain precautions during treatment can set you up for success. Avoiding the mistakes outlined above makes it more likely Clomid will work for you. Always follow your doctor’s protocols. Ask questions if anything is unclear. With smart use of this fertility medication and close monitoring, you can boost your chances of building the family you desire.
| What Not to Do | Why |
|---|---|
| Miss doses | Inconsistent use lowers effectiveness |
| Take without doctor’s consent | Risks side effects and improper use |
| Use if contraindicated medical conditions exist | Could worsen the condition |
| Take with hormonal birth control | Can counteract Clomid and raise ovarian cyst risk |
| Consume grapefruit juice, high-fiber foods, calcium supplements | May impact absorption and efficacy |
| Over-rely on Clomid alone | Combination treatments often most effective |
| Strenuous exercise | Could disrupt ovulation and early pregnancy |
| Use higher than recommended dose | Raises chance of multiples |
| Use long-term without doctor approval | Can mask underlying problems |
| Use if BMI over 35 | Obesity impacts ovulation, reduces Clomid effectiveness |
| Take while breastfeeding | Can get in breast milk and inhibit ovulation |
| Use past age 35 without assessing ovarian reserve | Depleted egg supply requires different treatment |