Clomid (clomiphene): what it does, how to use it, and how to stay safe

If you're trying to get pregnant and your doctor mentioned Clomid, you probably have questions. Clomid (clomiphene) is a common first-line fertility medication that helps trigger ovulation. It's simple to take, but like any drug it has specific dosing, side effects, and safety steps you should know.

What Clomid does and who uses it

Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain. That tells your body to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which can kickstart ovulation. It's most often used for women with irregular or absent ovulation, including those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Doctors may also try it when other fertility tests look normal but pregnancy hasn't happened after several months.

Most people respond well. Around 70–80% will ovulate on Clomid; pregnancy rates are lower, roughly 10–20% per treatment cycle depending on age and other factors. If Clomid doesn't work after a few cycles, your clinician may suggest further testing or other treatments.

Dosing, side effects, monitoring & safe buying tips

Dosing is usually 50 mg once daily for five days, commonly starting on cycle day 3–5. Some people need 100 mg, but higher doses raise the chance of side effects. Your doctor will advise the right plan and may use blood tests or ultrasound to watch follicle growth.

Common side effects include hot flashes, mood swings, bloating, and breast tenderness. Less common but important issues are multiple pregnancy (twins happen more often on Clomid) and ovarian hyperstimulation, which can cause painful, swollen ovaries. If you get severe pelvic pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden vision changes, contact your provider right away.

Before starting, tell your clinician about liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or existing ovarian cysts—some conditions make Clomid unsafe. Also discuss any medications you take; certain drugs and herbal supplements can change how Clomid works.

Thinking about buying Clomid online? Be careful. Always use a licensed pharmacy that requires a prescription. Check for clear contact info, pharmacy licensure, and secure checkout (look for HTTPS). Avoid sites that sell without a prescription, offer suspiciously low prices, or have poor reviews—counterfeit or low-quality meds are real risks. If possible, ask your doctor to recommend a reputable online pharmacy.

Want practical next steps? Get a proper fertility evaluation first, follow the exact dosing and monitoring your doctor sets, and report side effects early. Keep records of your cycles and any symptoms; that info helps your provider tweak treatment. If you need more reading, check our related articles on fertility meds, safety tips, and choosing an online pharmacy.