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Clomiphene Citrate (Fertility Drug)
For some couples, conception happens easily, while for others, it requires a lot of patience and effort and sometimes even fertility treatment. Clomiphene citrate, commonly known as Clomid, is the most widely used drug to trigger ovulation and the foremost medicine in fertility treatment.
What is Clomiphene Citrate?
Also known as Clomid, Clomiphene citrate is a nonsteroidal ovulatory stimulant in the Selective Oestrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) class of drugs. It is generally the first medicine prescribed to a woman who does not ovulate regularly. The drug is specifically recommended for treating ovulatory dysfunction in patients having PCOS and different forms of amenorrhea. The doctor may prescribe different doses of clomid medication depending on whether you are unable to ovulate or you have irregular periods because of polycystic ovaries. You may be prescribed clomid alone or in combination with Metformin.
Why Should You Take Clomiphene Citrate?
Clomiphene citrate is prescribed by the doctor, to induce ovulation and is the first step in treating infertility in women. You require clomiphene when your body is not capable of developing a mature egg in the follicle, on its own. You may have a clomiphene citrate pregnancy in the following cases:
You have irregular cycles or anovulatory cycles
You have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
You have unexplained infertility
You do not want to opt for expensive and invasive treatments
You are undergoing an intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure
How Does Clomifene Citrate Work?
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) acts as an agonist as well as an antagonist for oestrogen. It plays an important role in the development of mature follicles and boosts egg-production in the ovary. It works in the following ways:
Clomiphene blocks the effects of oestrogen hormone in the body. This happens when it gets attached to the oestrogen receptors preventing the hormone from further binding those receptors
This blockage effect tricks the brain into assuming that the oestrogen levels in the body are low
Low levels of oestrogen trigger the release of two other hormones namely FSH and LH, which are essential for ovulation
Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH) stimulates the follicles and helps in the ripening of eggs inside the follicles in the ovary
Luteinising Hormone(LH) triggers the release of the mature eggs from the follicles to the fallopian tube
Clomid Success Rate
Using clomiphene for ovulation induction is an established and effective treatment. It is used to normalise the process of ovulation in women. 50 mg of clomiphene citrate's success rate is quite high, and it is preferred in spite of mild side effects. About 70% to 80% women taking clomid ovulate in response to the drug while 40% may become pregnant and about 10- 12% may give birth. The odds of conceiving within the first six months or treatment with clomid are 50%.
Clomid success rates on first cycle depend on individual cases. A woman who is over 35, but has an ample number of eggs, may be benefited, but it may not prove very effective for those who are underweight or overweight.
Clomifene Treatment
The dosage of clomiphene citrate plays an important role in the success of the treatment. It is usually started with the lowest dose of 50mg and taken from day 3 through day 7 of your menstrual cycle. Some doctors may suggest that it be taken from day 5 to day 9 of your cycle. It is administered orally, and at the same time, every day for 5 days.
If you do not ovulate with the initial low dose of clomid, the doctor may increase your dosage by 50mg. This is repeated for subsequent cycles until the maximum dose of 250mg is reached. If you do not ovulate for 6 cycles, you will be taken off this drug and be prescribed an alternative treatment.
How Will You Know If You Ovulate?
Checking on your ovulation cycle is important when you are taking clomid, as it helps you by indicating your most fertile period. You can keep a check on your ovulation status in a number of ways. These include:
Using ovulation predictor kits
Keeping record of your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) every morning. The BBT increases when you are ovulating
Getting your ovaries monitored through an ultrasound
How Long Need You Take The Clomiphene Citrate Treatment
It is recommended to continue clomiphene medication for a maximum of 6 months. Continuing the medication above a period of 6 months can cause certain adverse effects. This is because clomid has the anti-oestrogen properties that affect the endometrium lining and cervical mucus negatively.
How Long Does It Take To Get Pregnant On Clomid?
It has been observed that women who are most likely to conceive with clomid do so in the first three months of starting the therapy, with very rare chances after 6 months.
Side Effects Of Clomid (Clomifene Citrate)
Clomiphene citrate helps induce ovulation and assists conception in women who are unable to get pregnant naturally. Clomid may cause certain side effects because of its anti-oestrogenic properties. These effects generally disappear after discontinuing the medication. Some common effects include:
1. Nausea
caused by the increased production of progesterone
2. Breast Tenderness
due to the surge in progesterone
3. Abdominal Discomfort
There are chances of ovarian enlargement caused due to clomiphene citrate. This enlargement causes pain and distention in the abdomen
4. Mood Swings
Clomid can cause emotional or psychological side effects such as mood swings
5. Hot Flashes
Hot flashes, similar to those occurring during menopause, are often a side effect of clomid. These are not very severe but cause annoyance and discomfort
Other Risks Of Taking Clomiphene Citrate
Long term usage of clomiphene citrate is known to cause serious problems like ovarian cysts and can worsen infertility. Hence, it is advisable to take the medication as suggested by the doctor and only up to 4 to 6 cycles. The various adverse effects caused by clomid are as follows:
1. Thinning of the Endometrium
Clomid can result in a thin uterine lining, because of its anti-oestrogenic property. During a menstrual cycle, oestrogen causes the thickening of the endometrium. But in case of induced ovulation, clomid hinders the complete thickening process of the uterine lining
2. Less Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus plays an important role in conception. It is the mucus, which helps the sperms survive and swim through to the uterus. Oestrogen assists in the production of clear, watery mucus by stimulating the cervical glands. Clomiphene, acts as anti-oestrogen decreases mucus production and thickens the mucus. This affects fertility
3. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
OHSS is often reported by women using clomiphene citrate during the treatment of infertility. In some cases, it occurs when clomiphene is given in combination with the gonadotrophins. In this condition, the ovaries are enlarged with multiple follicles. This is accompanied by severe pain and swelling in the abdomen
4. Visual Disturbances
Many women taking clomiphene citrate have complained of blurred vision. In such cases, it is recommended to discontinue clomid
5. Risk of Multiple Pregnancies
The chances of multiple egg release are relatively higher with clomid usage. Clomid can cause twins in about 10% of pregnancies and less than 1% result in triplets or more
Things To Remember Before Taking Clomifene
Clomid is one of the most used conception aids in the market, as it helps you overcome your fertility issues and conceive. But, it has to be administered with certain precautions, so that it does not worsen your health or complicate matters. You should inform your doctor if you have any specific allergies or other medical ailments including:
Hypersensitivity
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Tumours
Endometriosis
When To Not Use Clomifene?
Clomiphene is not recommended in cases where it can worsen the condition or may have no effect on the body at all. In such circumstances, it is better to avoid the drug and opt for alternate and treatment. Some of them are:
Uterine abnormalities such as blocked fallopian tubes and fibroids
Infertility issue in your partner
Low ovarian reserves
A history of cancers
Poor response to clomid in the past
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the FAQs that most women search for during their journey to conception with clomiphene citrate.
1. If I Took Clomiphene for 5 Days, What are the Chances I Can Get Pregnant?
Most women with ovulation problems get pregnant within 3 months of using clomiphene. After 5 days of taking clomiphene, you should wait for ovulation and have intercourse during the most fertile days. Your chance of getting pregnant are higher if you monitor your ovulation using a kit or ultrasound and have sexual intercourse just before ovulation.
2. Does Clomiphene Change Your Ovulation Day?
Yes, clomiphene can change your ovulation day. You usually ovulate 5 to 10 days after the last pill of clomid.
3. When to Have Sex When Taking Clomid?
Couples trying to conceive should have intercourse during the most fertile period of the cycle. Women ovulate 7 to 10 days after the last clomid pill taken, so, the fertile period can be considered between day 14 and day 19 of the cycle. It is recommended you have sex every other day from day 11 to day 21 of your cycle. If your clomid treatment is accompanied by an HCG injection, then you would be advised to have sex on the day of the shot and the following days. These steps will maximise the chances of fertilisation.
A useful drug for couples who are trying to conceive, clomid should always be taken in consultation with a doctor. Make sure you track your response to the medication being administered, and be prepared to opt for an alternative course of treatment if it does not work for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only indicative of the general use of Clomid, and should not be used as an absolute guideline. This fertility drug should be taken only on the doctor’s advise, and under close monitoring.
Also Read:
Does Diabetes Affect Fertility in Men and Women?
Fertility Drugs for Men
How Does Estrogen Levels Has An Imapct on Fertility
Fertility Drugs for Women Read more
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Easy Vegetable Idli
How do you get your little one to get sufficient nutrition in one meal without elaborate cooking? The answer is our recipe of the Vegetable Idli. The recipe is fairly simple and very healthy too. Steamed food is the healthiest breakfast option and this can be your family’s healthy staple.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
10 Minutes
Ingredients
4 cups idli batter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp oil
1 cup vegetables of your choice - chopped/shredded/ground
Method
Step 1
Pick vegetables of your choice. Cabbage, radishes, carrots, beans, capsicum, beetroots, corn kernels, peas etc are ideal. Chop and shred these vegetables and set aside.
Step 2
Heat the oil in a pan and mildly saute the chopped vegetables on a low flame. Do not completely cook them as the vegetables will be allowed to steam with the idlis.
Step 3
Mix the vegetables with the batter along with the salt.
Step 4
Pour the batter in the idli plates and steam in the idli pot for 10 to 15 min on a medium flame.
Step 5
Insert a tooth pick into one of the idlis, if the tooth pick comes out clean, then your idli is cooked perfectly.
Step 6
Serve with sambar or chutneys of your choice.
Nutritional Information
Calories
875 K cal
Proteins
26.5 g
Fats
2.9 g
Carbohydrates
181.0 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
611 mg
Potassium
717 mg
*For frying, add approximately 10 grams of fat per serving at 9 Kcal/gm of fat. Read more
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7 Best Running Games for Kids
Most kids like to run naturally, but having them run around a track just for the sake of exercise takes away the fun. Therefore coming up with organized games that will let them run around is a great way to get your kids do some exercise.
Why Should You Encourage Your Child to Run?
Running is good for health and kids love it. But there are many benefits of it. Know what they are:
Running is fun! Kids love to run especially when they run in a group. Running is not only a result of unbridled joy but also leads to it. So why not harness the energy and channel it into an activity?
Running is inexpensive, unlike other high energy sports. All the kids need are a good pair of running shoes and no other fancy equipment or class enrollment.
Running is the easiest sport out there. There are no rules to adhere to, except for some general safety and etiquette. All they have to do is stay in the lane, tie their shoelaces and run once they are asked to do so.
Running is the most basic movement involved in many other sports. So being a good runner helps kids build the core muscles involved in other sports and excel in them too.
Anybody can run. Kids who are reluctant to play other games can find running well within their comfort zones. There is no competition, just running at their own pace is all that’s needed.
Marathon running and sprints are some great example to show to children and develop their interest in running. It teaches them endurance and perseverance.
Running Games for Children
Here are some outdoor running games for kids that you can try:
1. Capture the Flag
This is a great game that works on team effort and involves plenty of running. It’s best when there are 8 or more kids and a big ground available.
How To Play
Divide the children into two teams with equal players. Mark the centre of the field with several cones or other markers and plant flags of two different colours belonging to each team on opposite sides of the field such that the flags are at least 50ft from the centre. When the whistle is blown the kids rush to opposite side to grab the other team’s flag. If a player gets tagged on the opponent’s side of the field, they go to jail (a designated spot on the field away from the game). The jailed player can only be back in the game when a teammate frees them.
2. Where to Run Next?
This is quite an intensive running game and all that’s needed are pieces of paper with run-to locations written on them.
How To Play
The game has to be played outdoors, preferably around large parks that have plenty of locations to choose from or in school premises. The coach or an adult supervising the game writes the names of different locations and landmarks in the vicinity such as a fountain, equipment shed, flower garden, sandpit and so on. The papers are put in a bag so that no one can see them. One kid pulls out a paper randomly and reads out the location. Then all the players have to run to the location. Once everybody reaches the location, another kid pulls out a paper and reads out the next location and everybody run there.
3. Candy Hunting Game
A fun running game for young children that involves retrieving candies.
How To Play
Take the kids out to an open field and spread out lots of individually wrapped candies on the grass. The game is to run from the starting point, find a candy and run back with it. The kids are allowed to come back with only one candy at a time and drop it at the starting line. Once they have done that, they can run back to get another candy. The kid who brings back the most candies wins the game.
4. The Puzzle Game
The game involves the thrill of hunting packages containing puzzle pieces and finally putting together the puzzle.
How To Play
A large floor puzzle containing about 40 pieces or so is put into several envelopes and placed at different distances from the base. When the whistle is blown the kids run to find and retrieve one envelope at a time back to the base. They need to run several trips to different locations to collect all the envelopes. Finally, the pieces are put together to complete the puzzle.
5. Water Balloon Relay
Water games are always a fun. And, any game involving water balloons is a blast! For this one, you’ll need plenty of water balloons and a bucket to hold them.
How To Play
The game is played similar to a normal relay, except, using sloshy water balloons instead of batons. The kids have to run fast while balancing the balloon, careful not to drop it. If one is dropped, they can run back to the bucket and pick up and other one and get back to the place where they dropped it to continue the run. The winning team gets one water balloon for each runner and 30 seconds to soak the losing team.
6. Marathon Challenge
Long distance runners start out young.
How To Play
Children are not physically equipped to run as far as 10 or 20km in one stretch. Therefore the distance is broken down into segments that can be achieved every day. Keep a distance log for each child and let them run as far as they can each day. As they reach levels such as 3 or 5Km, give them levels of experience like in martial arts. 2km can be a white belt, 4 km - a yellow and so on. When the marathon is complete, give them a marathon challenge T-shirt.
7. Sharks and Minnows
A fun running game where kids have to run while avoiding getting tagged.
How To Play
The kids are split into two groups and start out from either side of the field. In the centre of the field is one kid who is a shark, the rest are minnows. When the whistle is blown, the minnows sprint across the field to reach the opposite side without getting tagged by the shark. If a minnow is tagged, it becomes a shark and goes after other minnows. The last minnow remaining is the winner.
Running games not only boost physical fitness levels of kids but are also fun and enriching as they learn to play as a team and adhere to rules.
Running games help kids work on their physical strength, body mobility, and endurance level; and are PERFECT for body smart-oriented kids. If you want to know more about your child’s other ‘smarts’ and make sure that his development is taking in all sense, do try FirstCry Intellikit - active learning for little ones.
Also Read: Group Games and Activities for Kids Read more
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Moms in lockdown: How to deal with kids during the lockdown.
Being a mother of two daughters (first one 4 years and second one 2 years of age) surely gave me a nightmare when I heard of 21 days lockdown. And as two three days passed by I realized things had to be done in an organized way otherwise it would be difficult to survive this period. So here’ a list of things I did which made things easier.1. Make a list of to do things: Like cooking, cleaning , laundry and then prioritize them and segregate them as must do and things which could be optional (if time permits with the kids), also make a list of things your kids would like to do.2. Make a daily schedule :Have a daily routine as per what time suits you (you need not be rigid but surely will help you in completing your tasks to maximum and spare some time for yourself). Also let the kids have a fixed routine for food and sleep.3. Plan your Meals: This would help you in making the preparations in advance and thus save up on a lot of time and energy you would be spending each time otherwise.( Keep your meals simple and nutritionally well balanced)4. Inform your kids: Let your kids be aware of what’s happening (what problems people are facing and how they are trying to deal with it). This would definitely help them in realizing their problems and find solutions for them on their own.5. Let your kids be independent: Give your kids activities which they could do by themselves so that you are not engaged. If you have two or more kids give the older one be responsibility of taking care of the younger ones that would definitely prevent some sibling fights.6. Involve your kids: Let your kids understand their responsibility may be small things as picking up toys, your plates for younger kids and things like cleaning your room, helping with household shores for the elder kids.7. Be Happy: Do one activity a day together with your family which would keep you and your younger ones going. It may be singing, dancing or painting or cooking or whatever you like.
Hope this would end soon and be safe, be healthy, be patient and we would definitely be out of this situation. Read more
Puja Kumari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert My baby is 4months old he is having fever after vaccination . how many days would the fever remain? can I give him medicine
Puja Kumari
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
A. vomiting ka kya karan ho sakta
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Can we have sex during pregnancy and is it safe?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. okay no problem if you don't have any risk factors ko. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. Dr meri baby 12 month running hai uska weight 6 kg hai uska growth nahi ho pa Raha hai to kya kare or over active hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. ok see c. if the baby is not having proper height and weight it means that baby is having failure to thrive baby needs investigations like TSH and other related test to find out the reason
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. mere twins baby hai boy nd girl one month 8 days when I check eye and ear which month
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken jjand the expert will give you the proper answer .
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
22 mins ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
21 mins ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 mins ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 mins ago
A. Kindly consult your paediatrician they will examine the child and accordingly they can help you with the best medicine that you can offer to the child as of now and don’t give any medicine without taking an advice from your paediatrician please
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#stylishbaby #babyboy #newborn
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