5 Clomid FAQs, Including Is Clomid Safe for Men?

Clomid (clomiphene) is a common medication used to improve fertility in women. But what does Clomid do? And is Clomid safe for men, too? Below, we’ll provide pharmacist-backed answers to these and more common questions about Clomid to help you get the most from your medication.

1. What does Clomid do in the body?

Clomid belongs to a class of medications called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). It helps the ovaries develop and release a mature egg, a process called ovulation.

Clomid does this by making the body think that estrogen levels are low. This causes the body to release extra follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). FSH triggers follicles in your ovaries to develop into eggs. LH triggers the release of a mature egg into the fallopian tube, where a sperm can fertilize it.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Clomid side effects: Read about common and rare side effects that can occur while taking Clomid and how to manage them.

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• What’s it like to go through fertility treatment? Here’s a firsthand account of one woman’s IVF experience.

FSH and LH are part of the natural ovulation process. Clomid works by boosting the levels of these hormones to increase the chances that ovulation will occur.

2. Is Clomid safe for men?

Clomid isn’t FDA approved for men. But it’s used off-label in men for several conditions, such as hypogonadism (low testosterone levels) and infertility.

Low testosterone levels

When women take Clomid, it raises FSH and LH levels to help stimulate the development of an egg. For men, increased FSH and LH levels help stimulate the testicles to make testosterone.

Testosterone is the first-choice treatment option for low testosterone levels. But taking testosterone can reduce the production of sperm. Clomid has been a popular alternative to testosterone for more than 30 years because it can increase testosterone without this side effect. Clomid seems to be preferred for those who are actively trying to have a child, don’t want to take testosterone, or cannot afford testosterone treatment.

Common side effects of Clomid treatment for low testosterone levels include:

• Agitation

• Hot flashes

• Nipple tenderness

• Mood changes

• Weight gain

• Vision changes

Male infertility

Clomid may also help improve sperm count and quality in men. So it’s also often used as an off-label treatment for male infertility. The evidence is mixed as to whether Clomid is an effective fertility treatment for men. But it’s considered a safe option with no serious side effects, so it may be worth a try in some cases.

Women take Clomid for just a few days during their menstrual cycle. But men typically take Clomid on a daily basis. There isn’t a standard dosage for men, but most studies used 25 mg to 50 mg daily. Side effects are similar to those experienced when taking Clomid for low testosterone levels.

Does Clomid help with erectile dysfunction?

Possibly. A low testosterone level can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Since Clomid can help increase testosterone levels, it may also help improve erectile function. But it isn’t likely to help with erectile dysfunction caused by something other than low testosterone levels. And it isn’t commonly prescribed for this use.

3. Does Clomid increase your chance of having twins?

Yes, Clomid can raise the chance of multiple pregnancy (such as twins or triplets). Since it stimulates follicle development, it’s possible that your body may release more than one mature egg after taking it. 

That being said, the risk for a multiple birth seems to go up when Clomid is used in higher doses or for a longer period of time than recommended. So following your prescriber’s instructions may reduce your risk. There also seems to be a greater risk for multiple births when taking Clomid for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. If you have concerns about being pregnant with multiples, talk with your healthcare team before starting fertility treatment.

4. How many times can you try taking Clomid to help you get pregnant?

In most cases, it isn’t recommended for women to take more than three rounds of Clomid for infertility. There’s little evidence that continued use will increase the chance of ovulation and/or pregnancy if the first three cycles aren’t successful. But in some cases, your prescriber may recommend up to six cycles of Clomid. That’s because it may take a cycle or two to find the right Clomid dosage to cause ovulation.

5. Is Clomid safe to take?

Yes, Clomid is considered a safe medication for most people. But it isn’t recommended for those with:

• A history of liver problems

• Abnormal uterine bleeding

• Ovarian cysts unrelated to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal gland problems

In most cases, Clomid is well tolerated and causes mild side effects, such as:

• Hot flashes

• Sore breasts

• Nausea

• Bloating

• Mood changes

But in rare cases, Clomid can cause a serious side effect known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This happens when the ovaries are overstimulated and become enlarged. Symptoms of OHSS include rapid weight gain, a swollen stomach, and trouble breathing. Your prescriber will likely keep an eye out for signs of OHSS, but be sure to let them know right away if any symptoms appear.

How to save on Clomid

There are ways to save on Clomid, which is available as a brand-name medication as well as generic clomiphene. GoodRx can help you navigate between GoodRx coupons, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs to save money on your prescription.

• Save with GoodRx: Anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status, can use GoodRx to purchase 30 tablets of Clomid at an exclusive cash price of $156.

• Save with a copay savings card: You may be eligible to pay as little as $70 ($135 without insurance) for Clomid using a savings card from the manufacturer.

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Written by:

Emilie White, PharmD

Emilie White is a clinical pharmacist with over a decade of hospital pharmacy experience. Her professional areas of interest include critical care as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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