Clomid with Timed Intercourse vs Clomid with IUI

I have many patients that come into my clinic who are taking Clomid and want to do Acupuncture, in conjunction, to help

improve their chances of conception.  Now I’m not anti-Clomid but understanding how it works can help you decide whether timed intercourse is better for you vs IUI.  The goal of Clomid is to get you to ovulate more than one egg.  It does this by decreasing estrogen levels.

When estrogen levels are low, the body will produce more FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone).  Increased FSH will in turn cause more follicles/eggs to develop.  However, because Clomid is an anti-estrogenic, it can dry out cervical fluid and cause the lining of the uterus to become thin.  Cervical fluid is vital because it creates a healthy environment for sperm to swim in.  So why does clomid have this affect on some women ?

It’s because estrogen helps a woman produce cervical fluid and it also makes the lining of the uterus nice and thick for implantation.

Now if you notice that your cervical fluid dries out around ovulation while taking clomid, I would recommend going the IUI route.  This way we can bypass the vaginal canal and not be so dependent on cervical fluid to get the boys to their destination.

Furthermore, most clinics will monitor you while on the clomid with IUI, and that will allow them to take a look at the lining of the uterus.  Ideally, we like to see the uterine lining around 8mm.  By bypassing the vaginal canal and ensuring the lining is thick enough, we can avoid two issues that can really impede conception.

Now there are women who don’t have this issue.  Sometimes they might feel as if the Clomid actually increases their cervical fluid.  If you don’t notice that Clomid dries you out, then you can try timed intercourse with the clomid for a few months to see how it works.  Otherwise, save yourself some time and money and do Clomid with IUI.

Patients taking other anti-estrogenics like tamoxifen and letrozele don’t seem to have as much issue with cervical fluid drying up as much so you can always talk to your doctor to see if that might be a better alternative for you.