Clomiphene citrate was the first real "fertility drug" that was on the market. It was iniatially investigated
as a birth control pill, but was found to promote ovulation. This drug works best in those women who are having
irregular menses and irregular ovulations. It has been especially beneficial to those women who have "polycystic
ovarian disease", although not all will respond to the medication. These women will eventually need stronger
medications like human gonadotrophins, which are given by injections.
Clomiphene is usually started at the lowest dose, 50mg, and increased monthly until ovulation is achieved. Using
higher dosages after this is usually not beneficial. Most pregnancies that occur do so in the first six months
of usage, thus longer treatment regimens are often fruitless. Dr. Moore generally advises using godadotropin therapy
if pregnancy has not occurred at that point. Clomiphene is often used in conjunction with intra uterine inseminations
for cases of unexplained infertility.
Success rates will vary with Clomiphene but overall will be around 40-60% depending on the patient. Lower success
rates are expected in cases of pure unexplained infertility.
