What Does Clomid Do for Men?

During ovarian stimulation, several medications are used to control the ovulation process, in order to have a good quantity of eggs for retrieval. Clomid is one of these medications, and its role in ovarian stimulation is to stimulate ovulation and egg development.  

Over time clomid has been found to be useful in enhancing the fertility of people who produce sperms naturally. This has turned the tide for many men who otherwise would not be able to build their families naturally. We shall discuss in more detail what clomid is, what its uses are, its benefits, and side effects. Let us get started.                  

What Is Clomid

In pharmacology, clomid is known as clomiphene citrate. As a drug, the FDA has classified it as an ovulatory stimulant. It is used to cause ovulation when individuals who naturally produce eggs are facing challenges doing so. Off-label, the drug has been used to treat menstrual abnormalities and fibrocystic breasts in women, as well as infertility in men.  

When used to stimulate  the ovaries, results can be observed in as little as five days. However, because of how the male reproductive system works, when used to  treat infertility in men, results will take almost three months before the results of the treatment can be observed. This is to be expected however, so let us touch briefly on how clomid works in men.

How Does Clomid Work for AMAB Persons?

The way in which clomid works is that it enhances sperm motility and sperm concentration. These two sperm metrics are very telling of male fertility, and when sperms are produced in higher quantities, and are able to move well, it increases the chances of natural fertilization. 

Clomid is typically prescribed off-label for the treatment of infertility in men and has been observed to safely treat infertility in males. Clomid has also been observed to increase testosterone levels, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. These three hormones play a crucial role in maintaining sperm viability which is necessary when one is trying to conceive a child naturally. 

How Does Clomid Help With Fertility in People AMAB?

As previously mentioned in males, the results of taking clomid can take up to three months to be observed. This is because any new sperm cell formed takes between three and four months to mature and be ejaculated. Therefore from the start of taking clomid, it will take some time for the newly stimulated sperm to be seen in a sample of semen. 

Having said that, the treatment process of stimulating sperm is as follows. A person will undergo some tests to determine what their levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone are. This enables a medical practitioner to determine a baseline from which to monitor progress. 

After a baseline is established, clomid is prescribed. After some weeks, the hormone level tests are repeated to check if the necessary markers are increasing at the expected rate. The close monitoring of this treatment is very crucial because if hormonal levels increase too high, the treatment would have an opposite effect to what is expected. Meaning that an ‘overdose’ as it were would cause the body to produce less viable sperm in the long run.

Side Effects of Clomid

It goes without saying that because this is a medical process, some people may experience side effects during the course of treatment. For that reason, let us highlight what they are, so that if you do experience any of them during the treatment process, you consult back with your medicare provider. Side effects of clomid treatment include:

• Headaches
• Enlarged prostate gland
• Changes in mood or energy level
• Nausea
• Acne
• Pattern baldness
• Weight gain

Other Ways to Intervene in Infertility in Males

It is important to be aware that up to 15 percent of males in America have difficulties in building their families naturally. This has led to the discovery of interventions to assist them in having children. It is also equally important to note that there are varied causes of infertility, and the treatments available are equally varied.

Hormone Treatments and Medication

Apart from clomid, medications such as gonadotropins, dopamine agonists, and aromatase inhibitors, could be prescribed to assist with male infertility. This is usually done on a case by case basis. Due to the fact that these medications are typically prescribed off-label, one must NEVER take them without the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Treatment for Challenges with Sexual Intercourse

It is not uncommon for men to experience challenges in having sexual intercourse. Sexual dysfunction is a condition whereby men experience erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. Although sexual dysfunction is a leading cause of infertility in men, counselling and medication have been helpful in reversing these conditions. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Many couples trying to conceive naturally sometimes experience challenges becoming pregnant. In these circumstances, Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has been a game changer. Although quite costly, these treatments have been highly effective in helping people build their families. Both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are treatments that involve optimizing the viability of sperms before inserting them into the uterus. 

In Conclusion

Clomid has been prescribed off-label for the treatment of other conditions unrelated to ovarian stimulation. This means that only a professional healthcare professional is qualified to prescribe its use, because it is prescribed according to what it intends to treat. As for now, Clomid as a medication for enhancing male fertility is still being studied.

If you are experiencing challenges conceiving naturally and would like expert advice for your family building  journey, contact Ivy Fertility. Our compassionate team of experts is available to walk you through our comprehensive family building.