Clomiphene Is a Prescription Fertility Medication That Stimulates Ovulation

Clomiphene Citrate — sold under the brand names Clomid and Serophene — is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat ovulatory dysfunction in women who want to become pregnant. It's one of the most commonly prescribed fertility drugs in the world and has been helping people conceive since the 1960s.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Clomiphene in 2026: what it does, who it's for, how to take it, and what it costs.

What Is Clomiphene?

Clomiphene Citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) — a type of medication that works by interacting with estrogen receptors in the body. It's manufactured by Cosette Pharmaceuticals (brand Clomid) and several generic manufacturers.

Key facts about Clomiphene:

• Brand names: Clomid, Serophene
• Generic name: Clomiphene Citrate
• Drug class: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) / Synthetic Ovulation Stimulant
• Available as: 50 mg oral tablet
• Controlled substance: No — Clomiphene is not a controlled substance
• FDA-approved since: 1967

For a deeper dive into how the medication works at a biological level, see our article on how Clomiphene works.

What Is Clomiphene Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Ovulatory dysfunction — Clomiphene is FDA-approved for women who want to become pregnant but aren't ovulating regularly. This includes women with irregular periods, anovulation (no ovulation), or infrequent ovulation.
• PCOS-related infertility — Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of anovulation. Clomiphene has been a first-line treatment for PCOS-related infertility for decades.

Off-Label Uses

• Male hypogonadism (low testosterone) — Clomiphene is increasingly used off-label in men with low testosterone. Unlike testosterone replacement therapy, Clomiphene preserves sperm production, making it an option for men who want to maintain fertility.
• Male infertility — For men with low sperm counts related to hormonal issues, Clomiphene may help boost testosterone and improve sperm parameters.
• Unexplained infertility — Sometimes prescribed alongside intrauterine insemination (IUI) for couples with unexplained infertility to improve the chances of conception.

How Is Clomiphene Taken?

Clomiphene is taken as an oral tablet — no injections required. Here's the typical protocol:

• Starting dose: 50 mg once daily for 5 days
• When to start: Usually on day 5 of your menstrual cycle (day 1 = first day of your period)
• If ovulation doesn't occur: Your doctor may increase the dose to 100 mg daily for 5 days in subsequent cycles
• Maximum recommended dose: 100 mg per day
• Treatment duration: Typically 3 to 6 cycles
• With or without food: Clomiphene can be taken with or without food. Taking it at bedtime may reduce nausea.

Your doctor will monitor your response with ultrasounds and blood tests to check for follicle development and ovulation. Don't adjust your dose without your doctor's guidance.

Who Should Not Take Clomiphene?

Clomiphene is not safe for everyone. You should not take Clomiphene if you have:

• Pregnancy — Clomiphene is Category X, meaning it can harm a developing baby. It should only be taken before ovulation occurs.
• Liver disease — Active liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction is a contraindication.
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding — This needs to be evaluated before starting fertility treatment.
• Ovarian cysts — Cysts not related to PCOS need to be resolved before starting Clomiphene.
• Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal disorders — These conditions should be stabilized first.
• Pituitary tumor — Intracranial lesions are a contraindication.
• Allergy to Clomiphene Citrate — If you've had a reaction to the medication before, don't take it again.

Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid Clomiphene, as it may pass into breast milk and reduce milk production.

For a full list of side effects to watch for during treatment, read our guide on Clomiphene side effects.

How Much Does Clomiphene Cost?

The cost of Clomiphene depends on whether you're using the generic version or brand-name Clomid, your insurance, and which pharmacy you use:

• Generic Clomiphene Citrate: Approximately $85 to $100 per cycle (5 tablets) without insurance. A 30-tablet supply runs about $100 to $115 with a GoodRx coupon.
• Brand-name Clomid: Can cost $85 to $415 depending on quantity and pharmacy.
• With insurance: Many commercial plans cover Clomiphene for infertility, though some require prior authorization. Some plans exclude fertility medications entirely. Medicare Part D generally does not cover fertility drugs.

Ways to Save

• Clomid Savings Card: Cosette Pharmaceuticals offers a savings card at myclomid.com. Commercially insured patients may pay as low as $70; cash-pay patients may pay as low as $135.
• Discount cards: GoodRx, SingleCare, and other coupon programs can reduce the cost of generic Clomiphene significantly.
• Patient assistance: While there's no dedicated manufacturer assistance program, NeedyMeds.org and RxAssist.org list programs that may help with generic medication costs.

For a complete breakdown of savings options, see our guide on how to save money on Clomiphene.

Final Thoughts

Clomiphene has helped millions of people build their families over more than five decades. It's effective, relatively affordable, and taken as a simple oral tablet. Whether you're just starting to explore fertility treatment or your doctor has already recommended it, understanding the basics puts you in a better position to manage your care.

If you need help finding a doctor who prescribes Clomiphene, check out our guide to finding a prescriber near you. And if you need to locate a pharmacy with Clomiphene in stock, Medfinder can help you search by zip code.