Clomiphene citrate 50 mg: what it is and how people use it

Clomiphene citrate 50 mg (often called Clomid) is the most common starting dose for helping people ovulate. Doctors usually prescribe it for women who have trouble ovulating or for certain male infertility cases. It’s a short course medicine you take early in the menstrual cycle to trigger egg release. People like it because it’s taken by mouth, works quickly, and is cheaper than many other fertility treatments.

How dosing normally works

The typical plan is 50 mg once daily for five days, usually starting on cycle day 3, 4, or 5. Your clinician will tell you the exact start day. If ovulation doesn’t happen, many doctors increase the dose to 100 mg per day the next cycle. Some may go up to 150 mg in special cases, but higher doses raise risk without guaranteed benefit. Men sometimes use lower or alternate-day dosing to boost testosterone and sperm count, but that’s decided case-by-case.

Timing matters. You’ll often monitor for ovulation with ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), basal body temperature, or timed ultrasounds. Most people ovulate about 5–10 days after finishing the five-day dose, but exact timing varies.

Side effects, risks, and red flags

Common side effects include hot flashes, mood swings, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. Visual disturbances — like blurred vision or spots — are less common but serious; if that happens, stop the drug and call your provider. There’s a small increased chance of multiple pregnancy (twins are the usual risk). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is rare with clomiphene but can cause painful, swollen ovaries and fluid shifts; seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath.

Do not take clomiphene if you’re already pregnant, and tell your doctor if you have liver disease, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal issues, or certain ovarian cysts. Also mention other meds you take — clomiphene can interact with hormonal treatments and other fertility drugs.

How you get it: clomiphene requires a prescription. Clinics and telehealth services commonly prescribe it after a basic fertility evaluation. If buying online, use a licensed pharmacy and avoid suspiciously cheap, no-prescription sellers.

Practical tips: track your cycle with an app or calendar, use OPKs to pinpoint ovulation, and consider a mid-cycle ultrasound if you want targeted timing. If you’ve had three clomiphene cycles without ovulation or pregnancy, discuss alternatives like letrozole or IVF. Always follow up with your provider for monitoring and dose adjustments.

Want to know if clomiphene 50 mg is right for you? Talk to a fertility specialist or your primary doctor. They can run simple tests, explain risks, and create a clear plan so you use the medicine safely and get the best chance of success.