When you're trying to get pregnant and ovulation isn't happening on its own, clomiphene citrate, a selective estrogen receptor modulator used to stimulate ovulation. Also known as Clomid, it's one of the most prescribed fertility drugs in the world. Unlike hormones like FSH or hCG, clomiphene citrate doesn't add hormones to your body—it tricks your brain into making more of your own. It blocks estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, which tells your pituitary gland to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Those two hormones then wake up your ovaries to produce and release an egg.
This makes clomiphene citrate a first-line treatment for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), unexplained infertility, or irregular cycles. It’s taken orally, usually for five days early in the menstrual cycle, and most women ovulate within 7–10 days after the last pill. About 80% of users ovulate, and roughly half of those get pregnant within six cycles. But it’s not for everyone. If you have liver disease, ovarian cysts (other than PCOS), or a history of visual disturbances, your doctor will likely skip it. And while it’s often used alone, it’s sometimes paired with other treatments—like metformin for insulin resistance or timed intercourse/intrauterine insemination—to boost success rates.
Related to clomiphene citrate are other fertility options like letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor increasingly used as a first choice for PCOS-related infertility, and gonadotropins, injectable hormones that directly stimulate the ovaries. While letrozole has shown slightly higher live birth rates in some studies, clomiphene citrate remains popular because it’s cheaper, easier to take, and has decades of safety data. It’s also used off-label in men to boost testosterone and sperm count—especially when low levels are tied to hormonal imbalance rather than physical blockage.
Side effects are usually mild—hot flashes, mood swings, bloating, or headaches—but multiple pregnancies (twins or more) happen in about 10% of cases. Serious risks like ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are rare when dosed correctly. If you’ve tried clomiphene citrate for six months without success, your doctor will likely move you to a stronger option. But for many, it’s the turning point—simple, affordable, and effective.
Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons of clomiphene citrate with other fertility treatments, real user experiences, and what to expect when you start. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or have been through cycles before, these guides break down the science, the choices, and the next steps—without the fluff.
