What Does Clomid Do for Men?

Clomid is a medication that is used in fertility treatments. Its primary use is in the stimulation of ovaries to facilitate them in producing many mature eggs for retrieval. The use of clomid for men is prescribed off-label, meaning that although it is formulated for ovarian stimulation, it is still effective in fertility treatments for men. 

Medications can only be prescribed off-label by a professional healthcare provider, in order to regulate their use outside of their primary purpose. In order to get a clearer picture of how clomid is used in fertility treatments for men, we shall dedicate this article to elaborating more on how it is used, what the benefits are, and the side effects a person may experience when undergoing treatment using clomid. 

What Is Clomid?

Clomid is a drug that is classified as an ovarian stimulant by the FDA. It has also been used to treat anomalies in menstruation and fibrocystic breasts, but this has been as an off-label prescription. Its standard use in ovarian stimulation has been very effective with results being observable within five days of beginning treatment. Where this medication is used as a treatment in male infertility, the results can be observed after about three months of beginning treatment. The reason for this is that sperm cells naturally develop to maturity within that duration. So, when a person begins treatment with clomid, the sperm cells that are already mature or already developing will not be impacted by the medication, but those that are yet to develop will be impacted by the medication. 

How Clomid Works for Men

When a person begins to take clomid, a healthcare provider will be looking to see if sperm motility and sperm concentration will be improved. The way sperm cells move, both independently and in a forward direction, gives insight into how likely they are to reach and fertilize an egg in the uterus. The quantity of sperm therefore is crucial to increasing the odds of success, where motility is not a challenge. 

The purpose then of using clomid for men is to improve fertility by, not only improving the markers of fertility, but also increasing the production of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are crucial to sperm health and the process of fertilization. Clomid thus has been seen as a safe medication for treating male infertility.

How Clomid Helps With Male Fertility 

When it comes to treating male infertility with clomid, a professional healthcare provider will conduct some tests to help them establish the baseline against which the effectiveness of treatment will be measured. Using the baseline results, clomid will then be prescribed. Since each person’s baseline is unique to them, the treatment with clomid is not standardized.

At the start of treatment, there is likely to be no change in the baseline markers, however after about three or so months, a medical practitioner will be able to see results in the sperm cells themselves. However, the hormones are impacted ahead of the sperm cells, and doing hormonal tests can give insight as to whether the treatment is taking effect. 

If you consider, for example, that testosterone is central to the formation of new sperm cells, increased levels in this hormone is a positive marker toward sperm cell production. Hormonal tests are conducted throughout the course of treatment to maintain control over the process, as excessively high hormonal levels would have a negative impact on the viability of the sperm cells themselves. 

Side Effects of Clomid

Sometimes treatment with clomid may have some side effects. It is recommended that if you experience any of the below symptoms, that you report it to your doctor. This will help them to manage your treatment accordingly:

• An enlarged prostate gland
• Regular headaches
• Mood changes
• Energy level changes
• Nausea
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Pattern baldness 

Alternative Ways to Intervene in Infertility in Males

While statistically about 15 percent of men in the United States face challenges with infertility, clomid is not the only treatment available. This is positive news because in some cases a person may prefer to avoid the use of clomid specifically. As well, there have been treatments available prior to the recent application of clomid. So let us look at the other alternatives below: 

Hormone Treatments and Medication

Dopamine agonists, gonadotropins, and aromatase inhibitors are other hormone-based medications that are prescribed off-label, depending on a person’s circumstance and their infertility markers.

Treatment for Challenges with Sexual Intercourse

When the case of infertility is erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, it presents challenges in having sex. This can also have a negative impact psychologically, and therefore it is recommended that a person, in addition to medication, seek professional counselling.  

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Assisted Reproductive Technology has intervened in cases where the cause of infertility is low sperm markers. This is because of the sperm optimization and lab fertilization processes that increase the chances for a healthy pregnancy. Consider sperm that had low motility and were unable to swim effectively, therefore preventing a couple from conceiving naturally. As we can see, ART has given men a chance to build their families despite some odds. 

In Conclusion

Whereas the initial use of clomid was in female fertility, its applications have broadened, paving the way for new treatments for both men and women. Although the additional applications have been administered off-label, they have proved effective for the purpose they are prescribed.

The use of clomid in male fertility is still being studied, and thus it must be reiterated that only a professional healthcare provider is qualified to prescribe any medication, and particularly medication for off-label treatments.  

If you would like more information or professional medical care in the management of infertility, contact the expert team at Virginia Fertility & IVF. Our compassionate team is committed to deliver the best of care suited to your personal circumstances..