Clomifene citrate (Clomid) – what is it used for?

Clomifene citrate (Clomid) is an ovulation stimulant medication that may be prescribed to help with women's fertility problems.

Clomifene citrate is taken as a tablet at specific times in a woman's menstrual cycle to stimulate the release of eggs from the ovary, or to help regulate this.

This treatment may be recommended for women who do not ovulate regularly, or who do not ovulate due to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Investigations to rule out other causes of infertility or ovulation problems will be carried out first.

It will not usually be recommended where the cause of infertility is not clear, called unexplained infertility.

The risks and benefits of the treatment will be explained first.

A fertility clinic will monitor developing eggs because the treatment increases the chances of having twins or multiple births.

There is also an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, where the baby grows outside the womb.

There may also be an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Treatment is usually limited to 3 cycles or courses of treatment.