What Does Clomid Do for People Assigned Male At Birth?

Clomid is a medication that was initially used for ovarian stimulation for persons assigned female at birth (AFAB), during fertility treatments. Its use was extended to persons assigned male at birth (AMAB) to treat issues relating to fertility and has been observed to enhance their fertility. 

Clomid has been a game changer in the reproductive health of AMAB individuals, particularly when faced with fertility challenges in the process of trying to build their families. Let us discuss the benefits, uses and side effects of this medication. 

What Is Clomid

Clomid is the common name for Clomiphene. It is classified as an ovulatory stimulant by the FDA. Its main use is to cause ovulation in AFAB individuals who cannot produce eggs naturally, to aid in conception.

Clomid has also been used in the effective treatment of other conditions such as certain menstrual abnormalities, fibrocystic breasts, and infertility in AMAB individuals.

As an ovulatory stimulant, results can be seen in as little as five days. In treating infertility in AMAB individuals, results usually take about 90 days after the start of treatment to be seen.

How Does Clomid Work for AMAB Persons?

Clomid has been prescribed to safely treat male infertility, off-label. It has been observed to enhance both sperm concentration and sperm motility. It has also been found to increase testosterone, as well as follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which have a positive effect on the viability of sperm when trying to conceive a child.

How Does Clomid Help With Fertility in People AMAB?

Potentially, the effects of taking clomid are swift, but because it typically takes a new sperm cell three to four months to mature and be ejaculated, it will take time for the sperm stimulated by clomid, to be observable in a semen sample.

Usually tests will be conducted before treatment begins to determine the levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, thus establishing a baseline.

Thereafter, clomid is prescribed and following several weeks of treatment, the tests are repeated to evaluate whether the markers are increasing at an appropriate rate. 

It is crucial for patients to be monitored closely because if hormone levels rise too high, they could have an opposite effect than what is intended, yielding less viable sperm in the long run.

Side Effects of Clomid

As with most medical processes, there are potential side effects for AMAB persons when taking Clomid. The more common ones include:

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

If any of these side effects present themselves at any point during your Clomid treatments, consult with your healthcare provider to avoid complications.

Other Ways to Help With Fertility in AMAB Persons

Infertility by definition is the inability to conceive children, and is a very common issue for individuals who are AMAB in America. Up to 15 percent of AMAB individuals who are actively trying to build families experience difficulties with infertility. Although the causes are varied, there are a variety of treatment options available.

Hormone Treatments and Medication

Clomid is one of several hormone-based treatments used for AMAB persons facing challenges with infertility. Medications such as gonadotropins, dopamine agonists, and aromatase inhibitors, could be prescribed, on a case by case basis.

It must be pointed out that due to the off-label use of many of these medications, it is not advisable to take them without the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

Treatment for Challenges with Sexual Intercourse

Sexual dysfunction is commonly seen as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation. It is a leading cause of infertility in AMAB individuals. Fortunately, with medication and counselling, these conditions can often be reversed.

Assisted Reproductive Technology

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is typically used when couples or individuals have tried to conceive naturally without success. These treatments are costly but they are usually highly effective for many patients.

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are two methods of ART that involve acquiring a sperm sample and optimizing its viability before inserting it into the uterus. 

In Conclusion

The use of Clomid in enhancing the fertility of AMAB persons is still being studied. A qualified healthcare professional is best placed to guide you in the most appropriate course of treatment to improve your fertility. Clomid is an oral medication in tablet form prescribed according to what it intends to treat.

Contact Us

If you want expert advice coupled with compassionate care in your family building  journey, Reproductive Partners Medical Group offers hope. Our comprehensive approach demystifies the process of family planning, and provides bespoke solutions to each unique situation.