What Does Clomid Do for Men?

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a medication that is used in the stimulation of ovaries when a person is using assistive reproductive therapies to become pregnant. The stimulation of ovaries causes the body to ovulate and develop multiple eggs for retrieval. The use of clomid has been very successful in producing the desired results during this phase of fertility treatments. 

Whereas the use of clomid to enhance male fertility is a more recent development, its use has proven effective with very promising results. As a result, more men who were unable to build their families naturally have gotten the opportunity to do so, thanks to clomid. Keep reading to learn more about clomid, its use in male fertility, the benefits, as well as the side effects one may experience when taking clomid. 

What Is Clomid

Clomid is an FDA approved drug that has been classified as an ovarian stimulant. Its standard use is to facilitate the production of eggs when a person has challenges in producing eggs naturally. As an off-label prescription for women, clomid has been used in the treatment of fibrocystic breasts and anomalies in menstruation. As an off-label prescription for men, it is used to treat infertility. 

In the cases where clomid has been used to stimulate the ovaries, it is possible to notice observable results within five days. The production of sperm in males is a process that takes almost three months. Therefore the results of having used clomid can only be seen three months after a person has begun taking the medication. 

How Clomid Works for Men

The markers of male fertility are sperm concentration and sperm motility. Sperm concentration, more commonly known as sperm count, is the average number of sperm in a normal ejaculation. While sperm motility is how well the sperm move independently, and how well they move in a forward direction. Typically, higher sperm concentration and good motility indicate a good potential for natural fertilization. 

Clomid is used to boost both the concentration of sperm as well as improve their movement, when a person has lower sperm metrics. It has been observed to be safe in the treatment of infertility in men. Another effect that clomid has on male fertility is that it increases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as testosterone levels.

How Clomid Helps With Male Fertility 

The production of sperm naturally takes about three to four months, from the moment the new sperm cell is formed to the time it matures and is ejaculated. When a person begins taking clomid, the effects will not be seen in the already developing and mature sperm, rather, they will be observed in the new cells that will form after a person has began taking the medication. 

Before clomid can be administered to treat infertility, a person must undergo some tests to determine what their hormone levels are prior to beginning treatment. The results from these initial tests will form the baseline from which treatment can be measured. Once the baseline is well-established, then the medical practitioner will prescribe clomid based on the markers the baseline shows. 

The hormonal tests are carried out after several weeks to observe if the markers are progressing as they should. These tests are repeated over the course of treatment because if the hormone levels rise higher than is required, the body will have a negative response, and begin to produce sperm that is less viable.

Side Effects of Clomid

As with all medication and medical processes, at times there are side effects experienced during the course of treatment. The side effects of clomid must be reported to a medical practitioner in order for them to determine the next steps in treatment. See your doctor if you experience:

• Headaches regularly
• Changes in your regular mood
• An enlarged prostate gland
• Changes in your normal energy levels
• Acne
• Nausea
• Weight gain
• Pattern baldness 

Other Ways to Intervene in Infertility in Males

Clomid is not the only way to manage infertility in men. In the United States, up to 15 percent of men are affected by infertility. Prior to the use of clomid, there were other ways of intervening in infertility in males. Below are some of the ways that are still available in the treatment of male infertility: 

Hormone Treatments and Medication

There are hormone-based medications that are typically prescribed off-label. These include dopamine agonists, gonadotropins, and aromatase inhibitors. They are usually prescribed on a case by case basis, and their off-label prescription should only be done by a professional healthcare provider.

Treatment for Challenges with Sexual Intercourse

One of the leading causes of infertility in men is what is commonly known as sexual dysfunction. This condition causes premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. It is challenging when one experiences challenges in having sexual intercourse. Not only does medication help the physical aspects, counselling is vital in addressing the psychological impact that sexual dysfunction has on an individual. 

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

ART has transformed reproductive medicine and created new opportunities for people to build their families. This has been particularly welcome to individuals or couples who have been trying to conceive naturally. Even with their high costs, ART therapies have proven to be highly effective for both women and men. 

In Conclusion

Although the original use of clomid was in the stimulation of ovaries, its applications have grown in the treatment of other diseases and conditions. However, because the prescription for these is off-label, only a professional healthcare provider qualifies in its prescription. As well, the use of clomid in treating male infertility is still being studied. We can therefore expect new discoveries that could expand the therapeutic uses of clomid. 

If you want to know if clomid is the right option for you, seek the expert advice of the professional team at Fertility Associates of Memphis. Our team is not only professional, but compassionate in delivering bespoke reproductive healthcare services to our patients. We have a wide range of family building services available, and we are ready to support you in your personal journey.