Pregnancy is a milestone in a woman's life that brings much joy and anticipation. However, conceiving a child can be difficult for some couples and may require fertility treatments. Clomid is a prescription medication that induces the release of an egg or ovulation in women who have no or irregular egg production. This medication has similar effects as the female hormone estrogen. Vitex, or chasteberry, is an herb that helps to balance hormone levels and improve fertility. Because both these treatments affect hormones, they cannot be taken together. Vitex and Clomid interact adversely and cancel each other's beneficial effects. Talk to your doctor or fertility expert about taking either Clomid or vitex for fertility.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor or fertility specialist about taking Clomid to help you ovulate and conceive a baby. Discuss whether this fertility treatment is right for you and how it works. Also discuss whether taking the herb vitex is right for you. Inform your doctor of all prescription and herbal medications you are taking.
Step 2
Check the ingredients on your Clomid prescription medication to make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Follow the dosing instruction carefully. Begin taking Clomid on approximately day five of your menstrual cycle. Keep a calendar to record your cycles and determine when to begin the medication.
Step 3
Take one 50 mg tablet of Clomid per day. Take Clomid swallowed whole with a glass of water at the same time each day. Take this medication for five days. Your doctor may increase the daily dosage to a maximum of 100 mg per day, if conception does not occur after several attempts.
Step 4
Ask your doctor if it is safe and beneficial for you to take vitex if you are not taking Clomid or other fertility medications. Purchase vitex or chasteberry herbal supplements from your health food store. Consume two to four 500 mg vitex capsules twice a day. You may need to take this slower-acting herbal supplement for up to 12 to 18 months or until you become pregnant.
Tips and Warnings
- It may take several attempts before conceiving a child, even with the aid of fertility treatments and supplements.
- Do not take herbal remedies without consulting your doctor. Herbal supplements are potent medications that can cause side effects and adverse interactions with other herbs and prescription drugs. Inform your doctor of anything you are taking or eating to improve fertility.
Things You'll Need
- Clomid prescription medication
- Vitex herbal supplement
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