If your doctor has prescribed Clomid for fertility issues, it may take anywhere from five to 10 days to ovulate after finishing Clomid, depending on your personal medical history. Ovulation while on Clomid is a common concern among women who are trying for pregnancy and be reassured that your doctor will thoroughly discuss the process with you.
What Is Clomid?
Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is an oral medication that is used to help stimulate ovulation. It is the most common fertility medication prescribed and is typically the first step taken in a couple's fertility treatment.
How It Works
Clomid stimulates ovulation by blocking the estrogen production. Your body is tricked and responds to the "lack of estrogen" by signaling the pituitary gland to release more FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). These hormones will then stimulate the ovary to produce a mature follicle that contains an egg. This ultimately helps increase the chances of ovulation.
When It May Not Work
There may be other fertility issues (unrelated to ovulation) that may be the reason why you are unable to get pregnant. This includes blocked fallopian tubes, uterine abnormalities, ovarian cysts or masses or male infertility. Clomid will not be helpful under these circumstances.
Is Clomid Right for You?
If you have always had irregular periods, this may be an indication that you aren't ovulating regularly. Before Clomid can be prescribed, however, your doctor will want to chart your ovulation cycle. There are several over-the-counter ovulation kits or fertility monitors that will help you keep track of your cycle and determine if you are ovulating.
Further Testing May Be Needed
Your doctor may also order additional infertility testing to further evaluate if and when you are ovulating. He may order diagnostic testing for you and your partner as well. The results of these tests will be important in order for your doctor to determine the cause of infertility and to determine if Clomid is an option for you. Your OB may refer you to a fertility specialist if Clomid does not work after a series of cycles or you have more extensive fertility issues.
Understanding How Long it Takes to Ovulate Using Clomid
It is important to understand the process when you are prescribed Clomid by your doctor.
- Your doctor will most likely prescribe 50mg of Clomid.
- You will typically start the pills on day 3 of your cycle (or the particular day your doctor suggests).
- You will continue to take the pills for a total of 5 days in a row.
- Ovulation may occur 5 to 10 days after you finish your Clomid medication.
- Ovulation may technically fall around day 12 to day 17 of your cycle.
- Your doctor may order an ultrasound to monitor and measure your follicles to determine if they are mature in size.
- Your doctor may also instruct you to use an ovulation predictor kit which will help hone in on a potential ovulation day.
Your doctor may also give you a trigger shot to help the process. The trigger shot contains HCG and when injected it will trigger ovulation in 24 to 36 hours.
Clomid Statistics
Your doctor will usually prescribe Clomid for six cycles. While there is an 80 percent chance of ovulating in the first three cycles while on Clomid, there is a 50 percent chance of becoming pregnant within six Clomid cycles. However, if ovulation does not occur, your doctor may need to increase your dosage of Clomid or he may run more tests to see if there are other issues at play.
False Positives
There is a certain degree of impatience that surrounds the question of how long it takes to ovulate using Clomid. You want to be sure to take your ovulation tests at the appropriate time per your doctor so you don't get a false reading. False positives regarding ovulation are often a discouraging side effect when taking Clomid. False positives can occur several days in a row, as can multi-positives. Many doctors recommend that you wait to take ovulation tests up to three days after the last dose of Clomid has been taken. While these false readings can be frustrating, the end result of taking Clomid can still be a pregnancy, and thus the chance of a false reading should not discourage you from using Clomid.
Any Questions or Concerns Should Be Directed to Your Doctor
Finally, keep in mind that there may be many other issues that could be causing difficulty in getting pregnant. Contact your physician with any concerns you might have regarding infertility and ovulation issues.
