Clomid, or Clomiphene Citrate, is commonly associated with female fertility treatments. However, it can also play a significant role in male fertility and has been prescribed for men experiencing specific fertility issues.
When discussing fertility and reproductive health, conversations typically circle around women even though fertility is a shared responsibility—men play a crucial role in the process. In this article, you’ll learn what Clomid is, how it works for men, its benefits, what considerations you should have, and how important it is to consult a healthcare professional before using it.
What is Clomid, and Why is it Prescribed?
Clomid is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that can stimulate the release of hormones essential for sperm production in men.
It’s administered as a pill taken by mouth, and your healthcare provider will determine the dosage after assessing your overall reproductive health.
What are the Benefits of Clomid for Male Fertility?
Since clomid works as a stimulant for sperm production, one of the main benefits of its use is to improve sperm count and increase testosterone levels.
Clomid stimulates the body to produce more testosterone and increase sexual functions. Studies show that when men produce enough testosterone to meet the correct levels for their reproductive health, the higher their sperm count is to increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy. For example, using Clomid should reflect a 100% growth of current testosterone levels. This means that if a man has a T (testosterone) count of around 250, using the medication should result in a T count of 500—a significant increase to help with getting pregnant.
Precautions and Side Effects of Clomid
Even though there are significant benefits to taking Clomid, there are also specific considerations and precautions men should take beforehand.
First off, anyone considering taking Clomid should consult with a healthcare professional or fertility expert before beginning the medication. Candidates should undergo a full reproductive health check with a sperm analysis to determine where they stand and whether taking Clomid is a good decision. Along with medical assessment and supervision, there are many potential side effects associated with the medication. These may include:
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Muscle soreness and tightness
- Changes in vision due to swollen pituitary gland (rare)
- Increased acne
- Increased chances of prostate cancer
Despite the possible risks, your doctor will help you navigate the use of Clomid and maintain your overall health. It’s also important to know that medication side effects are easily reversible once you stop taking them.
Will Clomid Help Me?
Given that Clomid is an effective way to boost male testosterone and improve sperm production, it can undoubtedly help you thwart any complications that interrupt fertility. Below are various scenarios that Clomid can help remedy:
Hypogonadism and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Hypogonadism is a condition that some men face where their testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be used to reverse the effects of hypogonadism, and taking Clomid can be considered a viable option for medication.
Low Sperm Count and Poor Sperm Motility
Low sperm count and poor sperm motility mean a man’s sperm health and production are lower than usual. Given that clomid boosts sperm production and overall sexual functions, men who take it have a good chance of improving their sperm health.
Secondary Hypogonadism
In secondary hypogonadism, issues with the pituitary or hypothalamus cause low testosterone levels—primarily causing deficiencies in Leydig cells, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
In men, Clomid increases the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are essential for the production of testosterone and sperm.
Alternative Treatments for Male Factor Infertility
Aside from taking medications to prevent male factor infertility, men can take several alternatives to boost fertility odds.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Many men don’t realize that lifestyle factors are essential to their sexual health.
Things such as a lack of exercise, regular alcohol consumption, drug use, and high-stress levels all contribute to infertility challenges. Making healthy changes to these factors can drastically improve fertility, so it’s best to examine what areas you can improve on or consult a physician to pinpoint your problems.
Follow a Healthy Diet
In addition to positive lifestyle changes, a healthy diet has improved fertility chances.
Sadly, over the past 38 years, average sperm counts have dropped by 59%. Factors such as cell phone use and laptop use are possible causes, but researchers believe that obesity is the main culprit that men face. Because of this, men should avoid eating fatty foods with high caloric intakes. Rather than eating red meats, salmon or a simple white fish can provide good proteins and nutrients without acidic fats or spiking cholesterol levels.
For a more comprehensive review of your diet and what foods you should eat, it’s best to consult a nutritionist or fertility expert who can understand your goals and help you achieve them.
Acupuncture for Fertility
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses tiny needles inserted at specific points around the body to promote blood flow and prevent energy stagnation.
An acupuncturist can stimulate certain meridians (energy lines throughout the body) to help restore functionality. You may not realize it, but things like stress and emotional/physical trauma get stored in the body and can burden your everyday behaviors. Along with points, an acupuncturist can prescribe natural herbs to reverse infertility and promote general health.
Some acupuncturists also specialize in fertility and can assist you with other lifestyle changes to improve fertility.
Consultation with a Fertility Specialist
Before considering Clomid or any fertility medication, men should consult a fertility specialist or health professional experienced in male reproductive health.
It’s essential to do a thorough evaluation to help identify the specific fertility issues one has, and then determine if Clomid is a good choice for recovery. ORM Fertility can comprehensively review your fertility health and create a plan to make improvements. The first step to battling infertility is knowing you’re not alone.
