What Does Clomid Do for Men?

Men are said to be infertile when they are unable to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of having intercourse without using birth control.  Furthermore, studies suggest that 15% of couples are unable to conceive after 1 year of having unprotected sex. 

Historically overlooked, male infertility has gained increased attention in recent years, resulting in expanded treatment approaches like Clomid. But does Clomid work for men?

Key Takeaways

• Clomid is a medication primarily intended for use as an ovulatory stimulant.
• There are numerous off-label uses for Clomid, including as a treatment for low sperm concentration or poor sperm motility.
• Clomid is just one of many options available for treating men’s fertility issues - a qualified healthcare professional can assist in determining the appropriate route forward for each individual’s circumstances.
  

What Is Clomid?

Clomid, medically known as clomiphene citrate, is an estrogen blocker or what is known as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) in medical terms. These are medications that impact different estrogen receptors throughout the body. 

For years, Clomid has been prescribed to women struggling with infertility. It is a solution offered for ovarian stimulation during fertility treatments, enabling women to produce hormones that will trigger ovulation.

When given at the right time, Clomid can potentially achieve a 10-12% pregnancy success rate per cycle. Beyond infertility in women, it has also been found to successfully treat menstrual irregularities, fibrocystic breasts, and more recently,  male infertility.

Clomid For Men

Clomid isn’t officially stamped with FDA approval for male infertility. It’s actually a go-to medication for women struggling to conceive. But, some doctors are handing it out to men anyway. Why? Because science says it might just work. Clomid targets the anterior pituitary gland where estrogens have negative feedback which results in a decrease in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation.  Both of these play a key role in male fertility.

Though assigned at birth males don’t have ovarian follicles, FSH is still essential for their reproductive system. This hormone is responsible for testicular growth and the production and maturation of sperm cells. On the other hand, LH causes the cells of the testes to produce testosterone. A low FSH or LH level can result in low libido or in some cases infertility. On the other hand, a high FSH or LH means damaged testicles, which can happen due to infection, chemotherapy, or excessive use of alcohol. 

That’s where Clomid comes in. Even though it’s not an officially sanctioned male fertility treatment, some doctors are prescribing it off-label to boost testosterone, FSH, and LH levels. Why does that matter? Because testosterone isn’t just about muscles and mood—it’s a major player in sperm production. It works with luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to stimulate sperm production. 

In some studies, Clomid has shown it has the potential to increase sperm concentration and motility. That’s a big win for men struggling with infertility. While it may not be an official cure-all, the science is pointing in a promising direction, making Clomid a potential game-changer for guys looking to boost their chances of fatherhood.

How Much Clomid Should I Take?

Clomid isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, and the way it’s taken by men is completely different from how it’s prescribed for women. Women typically take Clomid for just five days at the start of their cycle. In men, the dosage is given every day. This is because sperm is produced every day and hormones have to be triggered to do so.

For most guys, the starting dose is around 25mg—or half a pill—every day. Patience is key because it can take anywhere from 90 to 108 days before any real changes show up. The dosage has to be monitored closely since overdosage is a possibility. Taking too much Clomid can backfire, leading to a testosterone overload that actually lowers sperm count instead of boosting it. 

That’s why regular check-ins are crucial. If testosterone levels start skyrocketing, the doctor might dial back the dosage to half a pill every other day to keep everything balanced. The goal is to fine-tune the dose to get the benefits without tipping the scales in the wrong direction.

Side Effects of Clomid

Though Clomid has been used as a solution to male infertility for a while, it is still a relatively new approach, and there’s a lot left to uncover. That’s why working with a knowledgeable healthcare professional is key—they can help navigate any potential side effects and make sure the treatment stays on track. Clomid might be a promising option, but like anything medical, it’s best approached with expert guidance and careful monitoring.

The healthcare professionals at  Ivy Fertility will conduct a series of tests to determine the man’s levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone as a baseline. 

Any hormonal treatments have the potential for side effects and Clomid is no different. Side effects of the drug can include:

• Headaches
• Acne
• Changes in mood or energy level
• Weight gain
• Nausea
• Male pattern baldness 
• Enlarged prostate gland

If you face any of these side effects, consult with your doctor who will be able to adjust your dosage or stop the drug altogether. 

Alternative Male Infertility Options

Male infertility is very common, affecting approximately 9% of men trying to conceive. If Clomid doesn’t work for you, there are other treatment options available that are tested and approved. These treatments have produced better results when it comes to treating infertility.  

For starters, there are alternative hormonal treatments like Gonadotropins, Dopamine agonists, and Aromatase inhibitors. These can adjust hormone levels depending on what’s causing the infertility in the first place. Your doctor will prescribe these treatments depending on the tests done. 

If medications don’t work, assisted reproduction technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination can help a couple conceive. Both treatments require a sperm sample either through normal ejaculation or surgical extraction. The sperm is then processed to optimize its viability. Although these forms of treatment can be quite expensive in many cases, they are generally considered to be highly effective for many patients.

Bottom Line

Infertility affects both men and women, and male infertility is typically defined as being unable to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. About 15% of couples face challenges conceiving within this timeframe. The road to fertility looks different for everyone. Whether Clomid is the answer or another method takes the crown, the important thing is to stay informed, work with a trusted medical professional, and keep pushing forward. The science is always evolving, and so are the solutions. Parenthood might be closer than you think.