If you’ve been trying for a baby and your doctor has suggested Clomid with IUI, you’re probably wondering what this treatment involves.
It’s one of the most common earlier steps in fertility treatment—and it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what comes next.
When used together, Clomid and IUI can gently encourage ovulation and improve the ovulation timing to give you a better chance of conception.
What is Clomid?
Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is an oral medication primarily prescribed to stimulate ovulation in women experiencing infertility due to irregular or absent ovulation.
It is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which works by encouraging the body to release hormones necessary for ovulation, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy.
How does Clomid work?
Clomid helps your body get ready for ovulation by sending signals to your brain.
It makes your brain think your oestrogen levels are lower than they actually are. When your brain gets this signal, your pituitary gland responds by releasing more FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone). These hormones then get to work stimulating your ovaries to develop and release eggs. It's like giving your natural ovulation process a gentle but effective boost.
The timing can vary slightly between individuals due to factors like hormonal balance and overall reproductive health, but most women see results within a few IUI cycles.
When is Clomid used in the IUI process?
Clomid plays a crucial timing role in intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment by helping coordinate your cycle with the procedure. It's typically started early in your menstrual cycle, usually between days 3-7 or 5-9, to stimulate follicle development before the actual insemination.
By encouraging your ovaries to produce mature eggs, Clomid helps ensure that ovulation occurs at the optimal time for IUI. This timing is essential, because insemination needs to happen when your egg is ready for fertilisation.
Many fertility specialists prefer using Clomid with IUI because it increases the chances of having a mature egg available during the procedure while keeping the treatment relatively simple and cost-effective.
What do Clomid and IUI involve?
Day-by-day overview
Day 1:
Your menstrual period begins, marking the start of your cycle.
Days 3–5:
You’ll start taking Clomid around this period continuously for 5 days (usually from Day 3 to 7 or Day 5 to 9) to help your ovaries produce mature eggs.
Days 10–14:
Your fertility team will begin monitoring your body for signs of ovulation, either through ultrasounds or ovulation predictor kits (OPKs).
Trigger shot (if prescribed):
If your doctor prescribes it, a trigger injection (often hCG) may be given once your eggs are ready to prompt ovulation.
24–36 hours later:
Your IUI procedure will be carefully timed and scheduled to align with your ovulation window.
Monitoring ovulation
Ultrasound scans
Regular transvaginal ultrasounds help determine how many follicles are growing and whether they’re reaching maturity. The ideal follicle size is usually between 18 and 22 mm, indicating a favourable chance for ovulation.
Hormone testing:
Blood tests may be conducted to evaluate your oestrogen (E2) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels. Rising oestrogen indicates follicular growth, while an LH surge can mean that ovulation is imminent.
At-home ovulation kits:
Many women use OPKs (Ovulation Predictor Kits) to detect the LH surge. These kits are similar to pregnancy tests and can help ensure the IUI procedure is timed perfectly.
Timing the insemination
The goal is to perform an IUI just before or during ovulation to maximise the chances of fertilisation. This typically occurs 24 to 36 hours after a trigger shot or a naturally detected LH surge.
If ovulation is triggered by medication, your doctor will schedule the IUI based on when it is expected to happen.
If you're ovulating naturally, the IUI will be scheduled soon after the OPK shows a positive result.
For more information about IUI and to receive advice tailored to your unique situation, consider speaking with a fertility specialist. You may contact Thomson Medical to arrange a consultation for personalised guidance on treatment options and the next steps in your implantation procedure.
IUI specialists
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What are the side effects of using Clomid?
Clomid is a widely prescribed fertility medication, but like all medications, it comes with a range of potential side effects. While many women tolerate it well, some may experience mild to moderate symptoms during the treatment cycle.
Here's a closer look at the common side effects you might encounter when using Clomid:
Hot flashes:
Hot flashes are one of the most commonly reported side effects. These can feel like sudden waves of heat, often accompanied by sweating or redness in the face and neck—similar to what women experience during menopause.
Mood swings or irritability:
Hormonal shifts caused by Clomid can impact your mood. During the cycle, some women report feeling unusually emotional, more easily frustrated, or generally unwell.
Bloating or abdominal discomfort:
Because Clomid stimulates your ovaries, you may feel a bit bloated or experience mild cramping as the follicles grow. This discomfort is typically short-lived and manageable.
Breast tenderness:
Hormonal changes can cause sensitivity or soreness in the breasts, especially as you approach ovulation.
Headaches:
Some women experience headaches due to the hormonal fluctuations that Clomid induces.
Visual disturbances (rare):
Although it is uncommon, Clomid can cause temporary changes in vision, including blurred vision, seeing spots, or light sensitivity. If this occurs, please contact your doctor promptly.
Is there a risk of multiple pregnancy?
Yes, Clomid can slightly increase the chance of releasing more than one egg. That’s why there’s a 5–10% chance of having twins. While the risk is higher than with natural conception, it’s still lower compared to injectable fertility medications.
What are the success rates with Clomid and IUI?
When considering any fertility treatment, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is, "What are my chances?"
If you combine Clomid and IUI, you can expect success rates of around 10–15% per cycle. While these rates may seem modest, it is important to remember that even couples without fertility issues only have around a 20% chance of conceiving naturally each month.
Success rates improve significantly when multiple cycles are considered. When there are around three to six cycles of Clomid with IUI, cumulative success rates can reach 30–40%. This is why many fertility specialists recommend trying several cycles before moving on to more intensive treatments.
Are there cases in which Clomid will not work?
Clomid doesn’t work for everyone. It may be less effective if:
A woman has a low ovarian reserve (fewer eggs left)
There’s severe male infertility found in a semen analysis
There are blocked fallopian tubes
A woman is Clomid-resistant, which is more common in those with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
Should you do IUI with or without Clomid?
Using Clomid alongside IUI is often more effective than natural-cycle IUI, particularly for women with irregular ovulation. However, if your ovulation is regular and you are concerned about unexplained infertility, both options are viable.
Your doctor may recommend trying without medication first before moving on to Clomid.
FAQ
How successful is IUI with Clomid?
On average, pregnancy rates with Clomid and IUI are about 10–15% per cycle. This depends on factors like age, the reason for infertility, and how well the timing aligns with ovulation.
Does Clomid increase the chance of pregnancy?
Indeed, it does, particularly for women experiencing irregular ovulation. Clomid works as an ovulation induction medication, significantly improving ovulation rates and helping coordinate the timing perfectly with IUI. Even women with regular menstrual cycles often benefit from the more predictable ovulation timing that fertility drugs like Clomid provide.
How long do you take Clomid before IUI?
Clomid is usually taken for five days, starting on Day 3, 4, or 5 of your menstrual cycle. After that, your fertility specialist will begin ultrasound monitoring to track follicle growth.
Can I get pregnant immediately after taking Clomid?
Yes, pregnancy can happen in your very first cycle if ovulation occurs and the timing aligns properly. Whether you're using IUI or trying to conceive by having intercourse, Clomid can help you conceive right away if conditions are favourable and you have enough motile sperm available.
How successful is IUI on the first try?
The first cycle of IUI has a 10–15% success rate, but many people conceive within 3–6 cycles, especially when combined with fertility drugs like Clomid.
Is 35 too old for IUI?
Not at all. While fertility naturally declines with age, IUI with Clomid remains a viable option for women in their late 30s and early 40s. Your doctor will assess factors like your ovarian reserve and overall reproductive health to determine if this treatment approach is right for you. Age is just one factor among many in fertility treatment success.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.