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Compare Clomid vs. HCG

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Clomid (clomiphene)
Hcg
Clomid (clomiphene)
Hcg

Summary of Clomid vs. HCG

Summary for Selective estrogen receptor modulator
Prescription only

Clomid (clomiphene) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat infertility in people wanting to become pregnant. It works by causing ovulation, or egg release. You'll take a dose by mouth every day for 5 days, typically during your menstrual period. Some of the more common side effects include hot flashes, bloating, and stomach pain.

Summary for Gonadotropin
Prescription only

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that's naturally made in the body during pregnancy. It's also very similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone involved in reproduction in males and females. As a medication, HCG (Pregnyl, Novarel) is used for fertility treatments in females. It's also used in certain cases to raise testosterone levels in males and to help the testes descend in males who haven't yet reached puberty (cryptorchidism). HCG is injected into the muscles (or as directed by your provider), typically a few times a week. Some common side effects of HCG can include headache, irritability, and feeling restless.

Indications of Clomid vs. HCG

Indications for
•Female infertility
Indications for
•Female infertility
•Low testosterone levels in males (hypogonadism) caused by pituitary gland condition
•Prepubertal cryptorchidism (a condition where the testes haven't descended)

Pros and Cons of Clomid vs. HCG

Pros and Const for Selective estrogen receptor modulator
Pros
•Works well for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
•Usually only taken for 5 days during each cycle
•Available as a tablet, unlike many alternatives
Cons
•Typically only recommended for up to 3 cycles, not a long-term treatment
•Can cause vision problems in some rare cases
•Not safe if you have liver problems or certain thyroid problems
Pros and Const for Gonadotropin
Pros
•If appropriate and with proper training, can be injected at home
•Can be used in children 4 years and older (in certain conditions)
•Mixed vials can be stored in the refrigerator for 30 days (Novarel) or 60 days (HCG and Pregnyl)
Cons
•Need to mix before injection, which can be inconvenient
•Only available as an injection
•Can cause headaches and irritability as side effects

Common Side Effects of Clomid vs. HCG

Common Side Effects for
•Swollen ovaries (14%)
•Hot flashes (10%)
•Stomach pain, discomfort, or bloating (6%)
Common Side Effects for
•Headache
•Irritability
•Restlessness
•Depression
•Fatigue or tiredness
•Edema (swelling)
•Early puberty
•Growth of breasts in males
•Pain at injection site

Warnings of Clomid vs. HCG

Common Side Effects for
•Vision changes
•Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
•Possible risk of harm to unborn baby
Common Side Effects for
•Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (closing of the throat)
•Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
•Blood clots
•Getting pregnant with more than one baby
•Early puberty
•Risk of cancer with use for male infertility caused by hypogonadism
•Water retention

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