Clomiphene citrate is a safe drug that acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It exerts its effects on the hypothalamic and pituitary systems, increasing the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn act on the testes, increasing testicular testosterone production and sperm production.
In men with oligospermia, normal testicular volume and low or normal LH levels, clomiphene citrate therapy can improve semen parameters at the level of volume, density and motility. However, fertility results are mixed, with some studies finding no benefit and others showing only a very small improvement in pregnancy rates.
Physicians generally do not recommend the use of clomiphene to treat male infertility, but it is sometimes prescribed because it is easy to use, safe and inexpensive. Reported side effects include headache, dizziness, visual changes, gynecomastia, and testicular enlargement.
Clomiphene citrate is therefore a safe and effective drug that can be used in men with oligospermia to improve semen parameters, although this improvement does not appear to have an impact on fertility.
