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My Fertility

Questions For Your Doctor

Your specialist will have many questions for you and your partner. You probably have questions of your own. Before your visits, it may be helpful to prepare some questions to bring along, such as:

Questions for OB/GYN and Primary Care Physicians

  • What specific tests would you recommend to diagnose infertility?
  • Should my partner be tested?
  • What are the tests for male infertility?
  • How much will the fertility tests cost?
  • How long will it take to diagnose our problem?
  • Based on the results of those tests, what are my fertility treatment options, and how much do they cost?
  • Will my insurance pay for fertility testing and treatments?
  • If we decide that clomiphene citrate (commonly known as CLOMID® or Serophene®) therapy is the next step, how many cycles will we try before we move onto another treatment option?
  • What is the success rate with clomiphene citrate therapy — and what are the side effects?
  • Will I have to repeat any tests if I go to a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist?
  • What surgical procedures might you recommend for my partner or me?
  • What are your success rates with those fertility procedures?

Questions for Fertility Specialists 

  • What specific tests would you recommend to diagnose my infertility? How much do they cost?
  • How long will it take to diagnose our problem?
  • Based on the results of those tests, what are my fertility treatment options, and how much do they cost?
  • How many ovulation induction (OI) cycles do you recommend before moving to in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
  • How many embryos do you typically transfer per cycle?
  • What is the success rate for IVF in terms of live births per embryo transfer for this facility compared to national success rates?
  • If necessary, can you help me access donor egg, embryo or sperm programs?
  • Will my insurance pay for the testing and/or treatments? Will your clinic help me determine what my insurance will cover?
  • How will I communicate with you during this whole process?
  • Does your clinic provide emotional counseling, or can you refer me to a counselor who deals with fertility problems?
  • What can I expect in terms of time commitments and how many office visits do you anticipate will be necessary?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPER USE AND RISKS OF SEROPHENE® (clomiPHENE citrate tablets USP):

What are the uses of Serophene® (clomiPHENE citrate tablets USP)?

Serophene® is an oral prescription brand of clomiPHENE citrate. Serophene® is commonly prescribed as an initial treatment by an obstetrician / gynecologist (OB/GYN) or a fertility specialist, also called a reproductive endocrinologist (RE), to help stimulate ovulation. It is indicated for the treatment of ovulation dysfunction in women desiring pregnancy.

Serophene® is typically considered an initial therapy for patients experiencing ovulatory failure or dysfunction. Serophene® works by stimulating the body to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), the hormones necessary for follicle growth and ovulation.

Doctors specializing in infertility or reproductive health prescribe Serophene® to those patients needing medical assistance to have a child. After a thorough medical exam to determine your specific medical condition, your doctor may prescribe Serophene® because you need help with producing eggs or you need supplementation as part of your treatment program. Serophene® is used only for women seeking pregnancy.

Who should not use Serophene®?

Serophene® should not be used in patients who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant, in patients with primary ovarian failure (the ovaries no longer produce eggs), or in patients with allergies to ClomiPHENE citrate or any other ingredients in the medication.

Patients with cancer of the sex organs, liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction, or with a pituitary tumor or other tumor of the brain, should not use Serophene®. Women with a history of abnormal bleeding from the uterus or vagina or with swollen, enlarged, or painful ovaries should speak to their doctor before starting treatment.

What are the possible side effects of Serophene®?

Your doctor should review with you the risks and benefits of using Serophene®. As with any medication, report any and all side effects, symptoms or physical changes to your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects associated with Serophene® include hot flashes, stomach discomfort and bloating, nausea and vomiting, breast discomfort, headache and vaginal bleeding.

Serophene® can be associated with serious side effects, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) or lung and blood vessel problems. Prolonged use of Serophene® may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Use of fertility drugs can be associated with fertilization of more than 1 egg. This can lead to complications for the mother and the birth of 2 or more babies. Your healthcare provider will discuss with you the chances of multiple births.

These are not all the side effects of Serophene®. As with any medication, report any and all side effects, symptoms or physical changes to your healthcare provider.

© 2013 EMD Serono, Inc. and its affiliates.

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