As a Netmums survey reveals as many as 4% of women trying to conceive say they have self-prescribed fertility drugs. And a further 14% admitted they'd consider buying Clomid without a prescription, we look at the dangers of buying these drugs online.

This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.

When you're desperate to have a baby but that little blue line continues to elude you, it can be tempting to try anything … including using fertility drugs like Clomid without a prescription.

In fact, in a 2013 Netmums survey, as many as 4% of women trying to conceive said they have self-prescribed fertility drugs. And a further 14% admitted they'd considered buying Clomid without a prescription.

However, experts have warned of the dangers of using Clomid without specialist advice.

This includes being at risk of an allergic reaction or the potentially serious Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

Here's what you need to know about fertility drug Clomid, as well as why it's never a good idea to self-prescribe it or buy it online. Here's why ...

What is Clomid and how does it work?

Clomid, which also goes by the name Clomiphene Citrate, is one of the most widely used fertility medications on the market.

Clomid tablets suppress the amount of naturally circulating oestrogen. This ‘tricks’ the pituitary gland (in the brain) into producing more follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone.

These hormones then stimulate the ovary to ripen a follicle (a follicle is a fluid-filled sac within which an egg develops) and release an egg.

Who is Clomid suitable for?

Dr Larisa Corda , one of the UK’s leading fertility experts, says:

'Clomid is most commonly used to treat irregular ovulation, for example in women with polycystic ovaries. It can occasionally also be used for men where low sperm count is an issue.

The fertility tablets can also be used in intra uterine insemination (IUI) treatment and IVF, alongside other drugs.

Dr Corda adds, 'It's not suitable if you have infertility factors that are unrelated to ovulation, such as blocked tubes, uterine abnormalities, ovarian failure, pelvic lesions or certain male factor infertility.'

What are the dangers of buying Clomid without a prescription?

Our survey highlights the risks some women are willing to take to improve their chances of conception. Dr Corda says:

‘Though it may be cheaper and appear to initially be more hassle free, buying Clomid online without a prescription is not advisable for a number of reasons.’

These include:

1 The drug you are sold may be a fake that hasn’t been regulated and could be contaminated, ineffective, unsafe and potentially harmful.

2 The drug may have expired or been stored incorrectly which can mean it doesn't work or it's harmful to you.

3 You may develop side effects which, when unmonitored, can end up compromising both your health and fertility.

Where should I get Clomid from?

The ONLY way you should be getting your hands on Clomid for fertility purposes is by seeing your GP or a fertility specialist.

Dr Corda adds:

‘Always consult with a specialist before starting or buying Clomid to ensure it is the correct choice of fertility treatment for you and also to allow safe monitoring of your response.'

How successful is Clomid?

Clomid is considered to be successful in stimulating ovulation and resulting in pregnancy. A 2015 study , published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that Clomid achieved a live birth rate of 23 percent across four cycles.

However Dr Corda says:

‘Clomid is not an infertility cure and usually requires a few cycles to be successful.

‘Your fertility specialist should closely monitor these cycles and if pregnancy isn’t achieved after around three cycles, other treatment options should be reviewed.’

Latest NICE guidelines for NHS fertility treatment say women with unexplained infertility should not be offered drugs which stimulate the ovaries (such as clomifene citrate, anastrozole or letrozole), as these drugs are thought to be an ineffective treatment for the problem.

Women who do not respond to Clomid may need low-dose FSH injections to induce ovulation.

Are there any risks or side effects of taking Clomid?

Clomid can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or multiple births. Some women can have an allergic reaction to Clomid and, if you suspect you're having a reaction, you should contact your GP or fertility specialist immediately.

It is not suited to women who have:

• ovarian cysts
• fibroids
• endometriosis
• liver disease, adrenal or pituitary conditions
• weight problems (are overweight)
• damaged or blocked fallopian tubes

Dr Corda says:

‘Common side effects of the drug are bloating, nausea or headaches. Blurred vision and hot flashes are also experienced by some.

‘Since clomid can result in the release of multiple eggs, your chances of having multiples such as twins or triplets goes up, which can present more complications in pregnancy.

‘This is why it’s important to have your cycle closely monitored by a fertility specialist to discuss whether a cycle should continue or be cancelled if there are too many follicles growing.’

Have you ever bought Clomid online? Or have you been prescribed it? Chat to others about Clomid in our chat thread below …

Related stories

Fertility problems: what do I do now?

CHAT: First time taking Clomid

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome