If you're taking Clomid, you're probably eager to know what kind of success rate Clomid has. Will Clomid work for you?
The good news is that the success rate for Clomid, in women with ovulatory problems, is pretty good. About 80% of women taking Clomid will ovulate during their first treatment cycle, and the chance of conceiving in that first month is 30%. If 30% sounds low, keep in mind that a couple with no problems getting pregnant has about a 25% chance of getting pregnant in any given month.
Of course, this assumes that all else is well with the couple. If there are additional problems besides irregular or absent ovulation or there are any male factor infertility issues that have not been addressed, success will be lower. It's questionable how successful Clomid therapy is for couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility.
Also, Clomid does not always work well in women who are dealing with age-related infertility, with low estrogen levels, or women with premature ovarian failure. It may also not work in women whose ovulation problems are caused by a thyroid issue. Women who are obese may have better success with Clomid if they lose weight.
About 40 to 45% of couples get pregnant within six months of treatment. Women are rarely treated with Clomid for more than six consecutive cycles.
If six months have passed and you're still not pregnant, your doctor will help you look in to alternative treatment options. There are a variety of fertility drugs and fertility treatments available. If Clomid doesn't work for you, don't fret. Something else may work better.
Sources:
Clomid Drug Information Sheet. Sanofi-Aventis. Accessed October 6, 2008. http://products.sanofi-aventis.us/clomid/clomid.pdf
Medications for Inducing Ovulation: A Guide for Patients. American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Accessed October 6, 2008. http://www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/ovulation_drugs.pdf
