Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) for fertility
Clomiphene is a long-used tablet that prompts the ovaries to release an egg, taken for a few days early in the cycle. It has been a first-line ovulation medicine for decades and is cheap and effective, though for PCOS the newer tablet letrozole now often works better for live births. Clomiphene can thin the womb lining and slightly raises the chance of twins, and it is usually limited to around six cycles. In India it is very inexpensive.
Clomiphene citrate (best known by the brand name Clomid, and sometimes spelled clomifene) is a tablet taken for a few days early in the cycle to encourage the ovaries to release an egg. It has been a first-line ovulation medicine for decades, and it is cheap, familiar, and effective for many people.
Who clomiphene is for
It is mainly used for people who do not ovulate regularly, most often because of PCOS. It is also used to grow one or two mature eggs in a timed-intercourse or IUI cycle. Like letrozole, it does nothing for blocked tubes or severe male-factor problems, so it is not the answer where those are the cause.
How it works
Clomiphene gently blocks estrogen signals in the brain. The brain reads this as low estrogen and responds by releasing more FSH and LH, the hormones that make a follicle grow and release an egg. It is taken as tablets, usually on days 3 to 7 or 5 to 9, and the response is often checked with a short ultrasound.
How well it works
Clomiphene leads to ovulation in a large share of people with PCOS. For live births in PCOS, recent evidence has shifted the preference towards letrozole, but clomiphene remains a reasonable and well-understood option, and cost or availability can make it the practical choice.
Letrozole or clomiphene
| Letrozole | Clomiphene | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug type | Aromatase inhibitor | Blocks estrogen receptors (SERM) |
| First choice for PCOS | Often yes, based on recent trials | Effective, but usually second now |
| Effect on womb lining | Gentler, clears quickly | Can thin the lining and cervical mucus |
| Chance of twins | Lower | Slightly higher, roughly 5 to 8% |
| Cost in India | Low, a few hundred rupees | Very low |
Neither is right for everyone. The choice depends on your diagnosis, how you have responded before, and your clinic's judgement.
Side effects
Common effects are hot flushes, mood swings, and headaches. It can thin the lining of the womb and reduce cervical mucus, which in some people works against conception. Visual disturbance such as blurring is uncommon but a reason to stop and call your doctor. Because repeated use has been debated, clomiphene is usually limited to about six cycles.
Clomiphene in India
It is one of the cheapest fertility medicines available and is stocked widely. A gynaecologist or a Level 1 registered clinic can prescribe and monitor it. You can check a clinic's registration in our directory.
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