Clomid is a drug commonly prescribed to increase fertility. Though most often prescribed for women, it is also used in limited amounts in men to counter sterility or low fertility. Some men also use this drug in a non-recommended and off label way to boost testosterone levels for things like bodybuilding. Clomid side effects may be slightly different in men and women.
There are many instances where clomid is tolerated well, but there are also many side effects that can affect a small percentage of the population that use this drug. For women, the most serious clomid side effects include an anaphylactic allergic reaction, which can cause facial swelling, hives and difficulty breathing, and requires immediate medical attention. Some men can also have an allergic reaction to the drug.
Other potentially very serious clomid side effects include elevated chance of developing ovarian cancer at a later point, or if the drug is used while pregnant, it can cause miscarriage. More often, people have a less serious response to clomid. It’s not uncommon for women to have enlarged ovaries as a result, which may cause cramping or discomfort. Enlargement of the ovaries may be present with things like bloating or pain in the stomach and pelvis, and some women who use clomid complain of continual stomachache.
Additional clomid side effects that are noted include headaches, flushing and hot flashes, dizziness, irregular mood or temperamental behavior, breast enlargement, nausea or vomiting, and flashes or dots in the vision or blurred vision. Less common side effects, usually present in under 1% of clomid users have been noted. Some of these are diarrhea, tiredness, weight changes, difficulty sleeping, depression, anxiety, and rash.
In men, there can be numerous clomid side effects that are slightly different than in women. Some are the same though, and one of the most common side effects is changes in vision, with blurs or flashing vision. Other potential adverse effects include stomach problems, headache, mood changes, and weight changes. Clomid isn’t always thought the best choice for men with certain fertility issues because it can actually lower sperm count and sperm motility. When this drug is prescribed, evaluation of semen before and after use of the prescription may help determine if the drug is helpful.
One of the side effects that is important to note with a drug like Clomid when it is taken to increase fertility is that it also increases likelihood of multiple birth. Twins are more likely in pregnancies when clomid was used, and the chance of having higher order multiples increases too. When this is combined with fertility methods like artificial insemination or implantation, it increases risk of multiple birth even more. Some people may question the term “risk,” but it is fairly well known that multiple birth is poses a higher risk of complications for mother and children.
