Clomiphene vs. HCG for Fertility: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Clomiphene

(Clomid)

HCG

Summary for Clomiphene

Prescription only

Clomiphene (Clomid) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat fertility problems in people who want to become pregnant. It works by helping your body release an egg, ovulation. You'll take the medication by mouth once a day for 5 days during a specific part of your menstrual cycle. Common side effects include hot flashes, bloating, and stomach pain.

Indications for Clomiphene

Female infertility

Pros and Cons for Clomiphene

Pros

Might work better for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Usually only taken for 5 days during each cycle
Available as a tablet you take by mouth

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

Common Side Effects for Clomiphene

Swollen ovaries (14%)
Hot flashes (10%)
Stomach discomfort/bloating (6%)

Warnings for Clomiphene

Vision changes
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Multiple pregnancy
Possible harm to unborn baby

Summary for HCG

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 for HCG

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 for HCG

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 for HCG

Headache
Irritability
Restlessness
Depression
Fatigue or tiredness
Edema (swelling)
Early puberty
Growth of breasts in males
Pain at injection site

Warnings for HCG

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

Prices with our coupons for Clomiphene vs. HCG

Clomid30 tablets / 50mg

$111.49-

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HCG1 vial / 10ml of 10000 units

$267.78$395.01

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Clomiphene vs. HCG

Clomiphene

HCG

Summary for Clomiphene

Indications for Clomiphene

Pros and Cons for Clomiphene

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clomiphene

Warnings for Clomiphene

Summary for HCG

Indications for HCG

Pros and Cons for HCG

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for HCG

Warnings for HCG

Prices with our coupons for Clomiphene vs. HCG

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Browse medications by letter

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Clomiphene

HCG

Summary for Clomiphene

Indications for Clomiphene

Pros and Cons for Clomiphene

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clomiphene

Warnings for Clomiphene

Summary for HCG

Indications for HCG

Pros and Cons for HCG

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for HCG

Warnings for HCG