Which Is Better Against Infertility, CLOMID or HCG?

What is CLOMID?

CLOMID is also known as clomiphene citrate. It is an oral medication for female infertility. This is often prescribed by primary care physicians or OB-GYNs before they refer a couple to see a fertility specialist for more specialized care. Some reproductive specialists prescribe this medication as well. It works by stimulating the secretion of a follicle-stimulating hormone that triggers the ovary to produce one or more eggs.

The Benefits of CLOMID

Patients who are treated with this prescription enumerate its benefits:

• Can be the most chosen option in some cases, especially when compared with other fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization. 
• There are few side effects, and many of the possible ones are rare, so it is generally well-tolerated by females who take it.
• It is an oral medication, which makes it less invasive than other treatments.
• It can be prescribed by your OB-GYN or primary care provider, so you do not need to see a reproductive specialist.

What is the Difference Between CLOMID and HCG?

CLOMID helps stimulate the production of estrogen, which eventually triggers a surge of luteinizing hormone. High levels of LH stimulate ovulation or the release of an egg.  It is often prescribed to females with polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a syndrome that can cause irregular or absent ovulation.

HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin, on the other hand, is a hormone used to treat infertility in both men and women. It is found at high levels during pregnancy. Aside from treating infertility, it is also used in men or adolescent boys for the production of testosterone and sperm. Doctors also recommend HCG for male children with cryptorchidism, a specific birth problem of the testes.

The Benefits of HCG

• It can help the body increase its production of testosterone and sperm, which can help reduce infertility.
• It also helps in balancing hormones, especially for women who have PCOS and hormonal imbalances. 
• Injections are also sometimes used as an alternative to testosterone products in men with testosterone deficiency. 
• It may also help improve sexual function in men who don’t experience improvement while on testosterone.
• HCG is also sometimes used by bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids to prevent or reverse some of the side effects steroids can cause, such as gonad shrinkage.

Which is Better CLOMID or HCG?

If ovulation is absent or occasional, CC is better to induce proper ovulation. HCG’s early job is to prevent progesterone withdrawal. So if ovulation is assumed or confirmed one assumes conception and gives HCG to help the zygote have more time to try for implantation. CLOMID is a medication that increases the number of eggs released each month and provides a lady with a slightly better chance of becoming pregnant.

HCG releases the egg, and the hormone rises when a woman is pregnant. This is the hormone that EPT and other pregnancy tests that are bought in the drug store measure. If there is an increase in the HCG level, it indicates pregnancy. So, either of these two is better depending on your condition. 

The Bottomline

There are effective options for men with sub-optimal testosterone levels who are concerned about their fertility. Both HCG and CLOMID have good research backing up their efficacy. When using these medications, it is important to do regular blood work and check all testosterone fractions in order to monitor treatment efficacy. Also, when using CC it is especially important to monitor IGF-1 levels as well.

Compared to testosterone gel, CLOMID monotherapy helps boost testosterone levels in the physiological range at a lower cost. It is also easier to administer as it is an oral and not an injectable like HCG. It is important to remember that there are great inter-individual differences in endocrinology, especially when it relates to the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testis. Thus, it is crucial to see a doctor who is familiar with the area and regularly performs blood work on patients.