Fertility drugs - they're not working

There are four classes of drugs that fall under the category of ‘Fertility Drugs’; a well-known drug that is in the Anti-oestrogen’ class is Clomiphene or Clomid. It has been used for over 30 years in certain types of infertility problem. Its actions are complicated to explain, but essentially it has the effect of stimulating that part of the brain responsible for making a hormone, which causes the ovaries to produce and mature one or more eggs. Clomid is only used in females who have been shown to ovulate rarely or irregularly or those who have polycystic ovary disease.

Clomid is started at a dose of 50 milligrams daily for five days. A blood test is taken to check Progesterone levels on day 21 and monitor the effect of the drug. The dose of Clomid can be increased in increments of 50 mg. to a maximum daily dose of 150 mgs.
If ovulation is achieved with Clomid but no pregnancy occurs, the treatment is not usually continued for more than six months, as there is little evidence that
it is effective after this time.

Clomid can have unpleasant side effects and risks. Women are warned that they may suffer ‘anti-oestrogen’ effects such as hot flushes, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. There is a definite risk of ‘multiple’ pregnancy – usually twins, although sextuplets have been recorded. There is also an increased risk of a spontaneous miscarriage. Despite this
it remains a wonderfully useful drug.

Usually, the blood tests that I talked about are arranged and carried out by your own doctor, who will have been contacted by the specialist. I suggest you ring the fertility clinic and put your concerns to them. I hope that you can get things sorted out. I wish you well – and a successful outcome.