Clomiphene
citrate was the first real "fertility drug" that was
on the market. It was iniatially investigated as a birth control
pill, but was found to promote ovulation. This drug works best
in those women who are having irregular menses and irregular ovulations.
It has been especially beneficial to those women who have "polycystic
ovarian disease", although not all will respond to the medication.
These women will eventually need stronger medications like human
gonadotrophins, which are given by injections.
Clomiphene
is usually started at the lowest dose, 50mg, and increased monthly
until ovulation is achieved. Using higher dosages after this is
usually not beneficial. Most pregnancies that occur do so in the
first six months of usage, thus longer treatment regimens are
often fruitless. Dr. Moore generally advises using godadotropin
therapy if pregnancy has not occurred at that point. Clomiphene
is often used in conjunction with intrauterine inseminations
for cases of unexplained infertility.
Success rates
will vary with Clomiphene but overall will be around 40-60% depending
on the patient. Lower success rates are expected in cases of pure
unexplained infertility.
