What Is Clomid?
The prescription medication clomiphene citrate, more popularly known by the brand name Clomid, is one of the most well-known fertility drugs available. While the FDA has approved Clomid to treat infertility in women, it has not been approved for use by men. As a result, Clomid is sometimes prescribed for men off-label as a treatment for male fertility.
In particular, Clomid is useful for men who have a low sperm count. However, it can also be used to enhance overall male fertility, as it helps to improve hormone production and correct hormone imbalances.
Clomid for men can be beneficial in a number of key areas related to male fertility and reproductive health. This includes improving low testosterone levels, correcting hormone imbalances, increasing a low sperm count and improving the overall chances for pregnancy.
Men with both infertility and low testosterone are most likely to be prescribed Clomid. It is important to keep in mind that Clomid is only one of a number of ways that men can increase their fertility, including taking male fertility supplements and eating foods that promote fertility.
How Clomid Works For Men
Clomid works to increase male fertility, particularly in men with low testosterone levels, by increasing sperm counts and correcting hormone imbalances.
The way clomiphene citrate functions in men is by binding with estrogen receptors and blocking estrogen’s effects. As a result, the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormonal (FSH) are increased.
This increase in FSH triggers the Sertoli cells to start spermatogenesis (sperm production). Additionally, the rise in LH signals the testicles to produce more testosterone, which is also beneficial for the formation of sperm cells.
An increase in a man’s sperm count can increase his chances of having a child, either naturally or through intrauterine injection (IUI).
Research Shows Clomid’s Benefits For Male Fertility
Research on the effects that clomiphene citrate has on male fertility shows that Clomid treatment can increase testosterone production and sperm count, and improve the chances of conceiving.
Improved Sperm Quality
A study published by The ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) looked into Clomid’s effectiveness in treating men who had infertility, or experienced a decrease in sperm quality or concentration due to unknown causes (idiopathic oligospermia). Participants were randomly assigned to either a clomiphene treatment or control group.
After six months, participants who received the clomiphene treatment showed greater improvements in sperm count, motility, and pregnancy rates compared to the control group. In fact, the pregnancy rate among the participants who took Clomid was almost three times higher compared to the control group (37% vs. 13%).(1)
Increased Testosterone Production
Studies show that treatment using low doses of Clomid treatment can help to substantially increase testosterone levels and improve the ratio of testosterone to estradiol.(2)
Who Should Consider Using Clomid?
Men who have both infertility and low testosterone are those who are most often advised to take Clomid.
A semen analysis is one of the simplest and most effective ways to determine a man’s fertility. This type of testing is used to determine the health of a man’s sperm, including their numbers, shape, movement, and overall health and viability.
For checking testosterone levels, a simple blood test is all that’s needed. These tests are typically done during morning hours, since that’s when testosterone levels are highest.
Clomid Dosage For Men
Clomid is prescribed in lower doses for men than for women. However, there is no standard recommended dosage for the treatment of male fertility. It is typically prescribed anywhere from 25 mg every other day, up to 50 mg per day.
However, it is important to first talk to a fertility specialist other health professional about dosing. Dosages of Clomid that are too high can have potentially harmful effects on sperm.
How Long Before Clomid Works?
Before being ejaculated, sperm takes a minimum of 90 days to become fully developed. As a result, Clomid treatment can take time to show benefits in sperm quality.
For this reason, Clomid should be taken for at least 3-4 months by men before attempting to successfully conceive, whether naturally or with assistance from assisted reproductive techniques.
Side Effects
Studies show that Clomid is well-tolerated by most men, and it can improve testosterone levels and the symptoms associated with low T.(3)
However, some side effects are possible. Clomid side effects that are most commonly reported include:
- Changes in mood
- Tender breasts
- Blurred vision (If this happens, stop using and contact your doctor immediately.)
Additionally, there are other possible side effects that can accompany elevated testosterone levels, such as:
- Acne
- Accelerated growth of prostate cancer
- Vision changes
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19268928/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16422830/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31216250/
Janice Reilly is the Deputy Editor of Content at The Sperm Count Report. She has extensive experience as a writer and editor for medical news blogs, where she covered fitness, reproductive health, nutritional supplementation, and similar subjects.
