Male infertility in the US is estimated to be around 10% of the adults planning to raise a family. This is certainly a worrisome trend considering the effect on demographics and families. Various options are presently a part of treatments for male infertility. Clomid, is one of the various options, and is essentially used for treating infertility in women; but is prescribed off label for males. Following subsections offer a detailed view of the pill, including possible clomid side effects in men. This is intended to help individuals identify, and pre-empt any possible undesirable outcome.
Overview of clomid
Belonging to the category of SERM - selective estrogen receptor modulator, the drug is either an estrogen agonist or antagonist, and this unique quality depends on the tissue being targeted. The sequence of actions of the drug results in an increased secretion of LH (Luteinizing Hormones) and FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormones). As a result, the production of testosterone increases in the testicles. Similarly, an increase in FSH also helps in increasing the production of sperm.
The mechanism of action of the medication in helping increase testosterone levels, also contributes to other actions. This includes increased libido, and a sudden surge in energy levels of men. This has the effect of making men more sexually active. It is necessary to note that the medication will be effective only in men with low LH levels; in the event that the LH levels are already normal or high, the drug may not work, and men will not receive any desired outcomes or benefits.
Formulation and dosage for men
The medication is available as an oral pill and there is a clear distinction in dosage and schedule between men and women. While women typically take higher strengths in a particular period, men are expected to take a different schedule. Typically, men take the drug on alternate days, or when taken daily, the dose is considerably lowered. The medication is generally available in 50 mg strengths and intake is altered accordingly.
The dosage and strength may differ depending on the individual. For instance, some are recommended 25 mg once in three days, while some are recommended on alternate days. Similarly, higher dosages may be 50 mg on alternate days or 75 mg on alternate days. In rare instances, the dosage may also be given in strengths of 50/75/100 mg daily. However, this is not recommended for all men and is only after a thorough assessment.
Overall benefits
The drug is essentially intended to stimulate the ovary, and mimics estrogen, the female sex hormone. As a result of the medication, the egg is released from the ovaries, and helps women to conceive. As mentioned earlier, the drug also has effects on men by increasing LH and FSH, that are present in men and women. The medication is also known to improve motility of sperm. This refers to the movement of sperm during the relevant stage of reproduction, and is important for successful fertilization of the egg. When sperm motility is low, chances of fertilization are low; with increased motility, the chances of fertilization increase.
Adequate studies are required to clearly understand the types of infertility in males that can be treated with Clomid, and the most suitable dosage. While research and studies have indicated that dosages between 12.5 to 400 mg daily may be effective, individuals have benefitted from 50 mg doses. The need for sticking to the most appropriate dosage, is mainly linked to one possible direct effect on the outcome. The total sperm count may sometimes end up getting reduced in a small section of men, due to incorrect dosage. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the right dosage is recommended.
Impact of Clomid on estradiol in men
Clomid is likely to have an impact on the estradiol levels in men and this needs to be monitored. While estradiol is essentially a major female sex hormone, it also plays an important in male sexual function. The change in estradiol levels is attributed to the conversion of testosterone into estradiol, and when the testosterone levels increase due to the drug, this will result in a proportionate increase in estradiol levels. The possibility of increase is known to be more pronounced in men taking Clomid for a longer time.
Possible clomid side effects in men
All medications come with the possibility of undesirable effects. This is linked to the mechanism of action of the drug or the properties of the compounds in the medications. The effects are generally of two broad categories – mild or serious. The mild effects, also known as moderate, are generally frequently occurring in nature and are not usually a cause for concern. These effects are known to resolve naturally in a few days and will not require any medical attention. In rare instances, these effects may require medical attention, if the effects are either persistent in nature or if the effects are intense.
What are serious effects in medications?
The serious effects, also known as adverse effects, are often rare in occurrence and may affect only a small section of users. These effects may require some kind of action; for instance, it could require discontinuation of the medication, or it may require some treatment to handle the effects. In extremely rare situations, there may also be a need for emergency hospital visits to treat the undesirable effect. It is also necessary to bear in mind that all users of medications may not necessarily experience effects. A section of users may be free from any unwanted outcomes, and may receive all the benefits of the drug. Most drugs are tested and released commercially only after suitable trials. Drugs that trigger serious outcomes are generally not approved, and those that are approved come with suitable warnings.
Frequently reported effects of clomid
The actual effects depend on various factors, such as the dosage, the frequency of intake, the condition being treated, overall health, other existing conditions and medications in use. Here is a look at some of the frequently occurring effects. This is not an exhaustive or complete compilation and is only for the purpose of serving as a broad reference of the possible effects. Men on Clomid are likely to experience throbbing headache, and in certain instances may also experience nausea and possible vomiting sensations. There is also the possibility of an impact on vision, while some may experience cataract growth. There is the possibility of men feeling dizzy when on the drug.
The probability of pain in the stomach or some kind of discomfort cannot be ruled out, while some are known to have ulcers in the mouth. As the medication has effects on hormones in men as well as women, there is also the possibility of an increase in breast size. This may have a stronger social or psychological effect on men and it is necessary to be either prepared for this eventuality, or carefully monitor and take suitable remedial action. Men may also experience weight gain as a result of the medication, while some may have to put up with acne. Most of the symptoms or effects are known to affect only less than one tenth of men on the drug. Effects such as hypertension and sudden change in taste, asthma and polydipsia affect only a very small percentage of users.
Effects that need to be monitored
One of the effects of the drug needs to be monitored – hematocrit. This refers to the red blood cells range in blood, or the proportion. When the proportion is altered, it causes the blood to thicken, and this results in blood clots. This could result in possible deep venous thrombosis, or could trigger a stroke and possible heart attack. One of the important factors that affect red blood cells is testosterone. When the level increases too much, it could result in polycythemia. This refers to excessive red blood cells, and this could expose the individual to the risks mentioned above. The risk increases when the drug is combined with certain other medications. It is therefore necessary to periodically monitor hematocrit levels.
Drug interactions and clomid side effects in men
Similar to undesirable effects, there is also the possibility of medications triggering drug interactions. This occurs when two or more medications are taken for treating different conditions or used together to treat one condition. Interactions are the result of conflicting mechanisms of action and could be experienced when prescription medications are taken alongside OTC formulations, supplements, herbal remedies, alternative medicine, and certain food products. It is essential for all users of medications to clearly intimate the treating specialist about the medications in use and the conditions being treated. This will help the specialist to understand the importance of each medication and determine which needs to be taken on priority.
The medication is known to interact with three different drugs and men intending to take the medication are to be aware of the possible interactions. For instance, the drug may interact with abrocitinib, bexarotene, and ospemifene. The first one on the list is used for treating atopic dermatitis, the second is used for treating T cell lymphoma, while the third is used for treating pain experienced during sexual intercourse. Men on the medication may experience high cholesterol levels due to type of food consumed. This interaction could result in possible hypertriglyceridemia, hyperlipoproteinemia and sitosterolemia. It is therefore necessary for men to seek medical advice about diet when on the medication. This may often require a detailed evaluation of cholesterol levels.