Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a commonly prescribed fertility medication that is used to induce ovulation. It works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain, which leads to an increase in the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland. This stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, resulting in ovulation.
Many women who take Clomid do ovulate, but still have difficulty getting pregnant. There are several potential reasons why you may ovulate on Clomid but not get pregnant:
Not Enough Mature Eggs
While Clomid may cause you to ovulate, the quality and quantity of eggs may still be insufficient. Clomid stimulates eggs to mature, but it does not address any underlying problems with egg quality. Some women simply do not produce enough mature, healthy eggs each cycle, even with ovulation induction.
Thin Endometrial Lining
The lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, needs to thicken enough to support implantation of a fertilized egg. Some women have a thin endometrial lining due to low estrogen levels, inflammation, scarring, or other issues. Clomid can contribute to a thin lining since it blocks estrogen receptors. If the lining does not reach 8-10mm, it may be difficult for implantation to occur.
Luteal Phase Defect
After ovulation occurs, you enter the luteal phase of your cycle. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone to thicken and prepare the uterine lining. With a luteal phase defect, progesterone levels are too low, the luteal phase is too short (less than 10 days), or the endometrium is not adequately prepared for implantation. Clomid shortens the luteal phase in some women.
Hostile Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus needs to be thin, watery, and alkaline around the time of ovulation to allow sperm to easily survive and swim to the egg. Clomid can dry up cervical mucus, make it more acidic, or otherwise create an environment that is hostile to sperm.
Fallopian Tube Blockages
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes are one of the most common causes of female infertility. Women with untreated tubal factor infertility can ovulate normally, but the egg is unable to reach the uterus or sperm are unable to reach the egg. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test or laparoscopy can diagnose tubal blockages.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is characterized by a hormonal imbalance of high testosterone, insulin resistance, irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and difficulty ovulating. Even with Clomid treatment, women with PCOS are still likely to have lower quality eggs, potential metabolic issues, and abnormalities that impact conception.
Male Factor Infertility
30-40% of infertility cases are due to “male factor” issues like low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. If your partner has an undiagnosed sperm issue, you may ovulate but still be unable to conceive. Semen analysis is recommended to assess male fertility.
Undiagnosed Problems
In 10-20% of infertility cases, no cause is found even after extensive testing. There may be subtle sperm or egg defects, immunologic issues, or other undiagnosed problems that prevent pregnancy despite ovulation on Clomid.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 months without success, or if you are over 35 and have been trying for 3-4 months, it is a good idea to see a fertility specialist. They can run further diagnostic tests, provide a more thorough evaluation, and offer treatments beyond Clomid.
Some key fertility tests may include:
- Ovarian reserve testing – FSH, AMH, antral follicle count
- HSG to assess fallopian tube patency
- Semen analysis
- Post-coital testing
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Thyroid hormone levels
- Progesterone testing
- Hysteroscopy
Based on test results, your doctor may recommend options like IUI, IVF, surgery, lifestyle changes, or medications beyond Clomid. Fast intervention leads to higher success rates.
Improving Your Chances
While continuing to work with your doctor, here are some tips that can optimize your fertility when taking Clomid:
Track Ovulation
Determine exactly when you ovulate by tracking basal body temperature, cervical mucus, OPKs, and other fertility signs. Timing intercourse effectively is key.
Use Ovulation Triggers
Injectables like hCG can trigger ovulation 36 hours later. This can improve timing compared to just taking Clomid alone.
Try GnRH Antagonists
Medications like Ganirelix or Cetrotide can help prevent premature ovulation in women taking Clomid or gonadotropins.
Boost Endometrial Lining
Vitamin E, L-arginine, sildenafil, vaginal Viagra, pentoxifylline, vaginal estradiol, acupuncture, and others may help thicken the uterine lining.
Check for PCOS
Metformin and lifestyle changes may help regulate cycles, resume ovulation, and address insulin resistance. Fertility drugs can be added as needed.
Use Artificial Insemination
IUI maximizes the number of motile sperm at the fertilization site and bypasses any cervical mucus issues. When combined with ovulation induction, success rates are up to 20% per cycle.
Test Progesterone Levels
If progesterone is low in the luteal phase, progesterone supplements can be used to support implantation.
Evaluate Male Fertility
Semen issues can be addressed through lifestyle changes, supplements, medications, IUI, or IVF with ICSI as needed.
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Quit smoking, minimize alcohol, lose excess weight, eat nutritious foods, reduce stress levels, avoid toxins, take prenatal vitamins, and address any chronic medical issues. A healthy body optimizes fertility.
Consider IVF with ICSI
In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection can help achieve fertilization and implantation in cases of unexplained infertility or failed IUI cycles. Success rates are 50-60% per transfer.
When is it Time to Stop Clomid Treatment?
Generally, Clomid treatment should be limited to about 6 months. Continuing for too long may deplete ovarian reserve over time without increasing success rates. Move on to other options if you do not conceive after 3-6 ovulatory cycles.
Consider stopping Clomid treatment if:
- No ovulation is occurring
- Ovulation occurs but pregnancy never happens
- Side effects like cysts, hot flashes, or vision issues become intolerable
- Thin endometrial lining develops
- Success is not seen after 6 ovulatory cycles
Instead, consider moving on to gonadotropin injections, laparoscopic surgery, hysteroscopy, IVF, donor eggs, gestational carrier, or adoption. Continuing ineffective Clomid cycles for too long is unlikely to be beneficial.
The Takeaway
Ovulating but not conceiving on Clomid can be frustrating, but several issues may be at play. Work with your doctor to identify any barriers to pregnancy. Try natural methods to support your fertility first. If no success after 3-6 months, seek a fertility specialist and consider advanced interventions like IUI or IVF. Persistence and utilizing all available treatment options maximizes your chances of ultimately taking home a healthy baby.
