Human chorionic gonadotropin is a fickle thing that cannot be produced regularly in your body, unlike other hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. However, this may be largely linked with pregnancy.
Uses of HCG:
- Boosts sperm count in men
- Induces ovulation in women
- Treats infertility in women
When a young boy’s testicles do not fall into the scrotum naturally, HCG is also used. One possible reason for this is a pituitary gland condition. Let us see about the purpose, method of usage, and other things to make you understand the overall details of HCG hormones.
What is this medication called?
Do you know why it is called a pregnancy hormone? Because it can be produced only during the pregnancy placenta of pregnant women. It supports the corpus luteum to produce the hormone progesterone that helps in sustaining the endometrium walls and early stages of pregnancy. The presence of hCG hormones in pregnant women increases the urge to create more progesterone in their body to support pregnancy. In early pregnancy, especially even in two weeks also, you can trace the HCG hormones.
Purpose of HCG Injection
Female Fertility
Female fertility can be mostly treated by using these FDA-approved hCG injections.
Urofollitropin (Bravelle) or menotropins (Menopur, Repronex) are pregnancy-boosting drugs prescribed for individuals who want to conceive. Along with this, you are also suggested to follow hCG hormones to speed up your chances of getting pregnant.
hCG hormones mimic the pituitary gland and produce luteinizing hormone (LH), which initiates ovulation. Since low LH levels can cause some reproductive problems, hCG can assist in inhibiting ovulation, which is necessary for conception.
During the in vitro fertilisation procedure, doctors administer hCG injections to promote pregnancy. Nearly 5,000–10,000 units of hCG injections should be recommended by your doctor either by taking intramuscular or subcutaneous. Don’t be afraid of seeing the numbers, you can do this with the right guidance and support. Just follow the instructions provided by your fertility specialist. Don’t be afraid about the injections, with the right guidance and support, you can do it yourself.
Male Fertility
Like women, men also suffer from sperm-related issues like sperm count, quality, etc. This can be resolved by your doctors giving hCG shots to grown men to treat hypogonadism, a condition where the body has trouble making testosterone, the male sex hormone. It can also elevate the testosterone level in men. Two or three times a week for a few weeks or months, the majority of men receive injections of 1,000–4,000 units of human chorionic gonadotropin into their muscles.
How do you Prepare this medication?
You can get hCG from your pharmacy in liquid or powder form, as prescribed.
If it’s liquid, refrigerate it within three hours of receiving it, and warm it in your hand before injecting it, as cold liquid can be uncomfortable.
If you get powder, mix it with sterile water (not tap or bottled water). Keep the powder at room temperature. Add 1 ml of sterile water into the syringe, then into the vial with the powder. Gently roll the vial to mix, avoiding shaking. Draw the mixed fluid back into the syringe, flick out air bubbles, and you’re ready to inject.
Best Places to Inject this Medication
Subcutaneous (Fat Layer):
- Lower Abdomen: Below the belly button, avoiding the area 1 inch around it.
- Outer/Front Thigh: Thick, outer part away from the knee; pinchable fat on the front thigh.
- Upper Arm: Fatty back area; assistance may be needed.
Intramuscular (Muscle):
- Outer Arm (Deltoid): Rounded shoulder muscle, avoiding the top knobby part.
- Upper Outer Buttocks: Near the hip (ventrogluteal/dorsogluteal muscles); usually requires help.
How to Inject this Medication?
hCG Shot Subcutaneously
- Before getting your hCG shots, you have to arrange some things, such as syringes, needles, gauze, bandages, alcohol wipes, liquid hCG, and a sharps container.
- While injecting yourself, you must be free of any contaminations. So please wash your hands with mild soap or handwash Dry them with a clean towel.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and air dry. Verify that the syringe is full and air-free.
- Plunge this plunger to rinse away trapped bubbles if any. Take 1-2 inches of skin for the injection. Give a right angle and penetrate into the fat layer for needle insertion.
- Keep the needle within the vein for ten sec while using the plunger, during the administration of the hCG. Extract the needle as you drop the pinched skin.
- After the injection: Apply pressure to the wound with gauze, and apply a bandage, if you are bleeding. Do not rub the area.
- Dispose: Place the needle in your sharps container and discard the syringe.
hCG Injection in the Muscle
Administer an hCG shot into the muscle After following the steps undertaken before, but instead of crushing, tighten the skin over the area you are going to inject. Push the needle into the muscle. If you see blood, use gauze to stop it.
What happens if you miss one dose?
If you miss a dose, try not to skip it, as it can affect your treatment. Contact your doctor if you can’t keep an appointment.
Men/Boys: Take a missed dose as soon as possible. If it’s the next day, skip it—don’t double up. Contact your doctor with questions.
Women (Fertility Treatment): Missing doses can affect treatment success. Avoid extra doses and consult your doctor if needed.
What Additional Factors Could Interact With This Medication?
Inform your doctor of all the herbs, nutritional supplements, and medicinal products you are taking, such as chasteberry, black cohosh, or blue cohosh. Also inform them if you take illegal substances, smoke, or drink alcohol because these can interfere with your medication and compromise its safety or efficacy.
The Side Effects You May Notice on Taking This Medication
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue)
- Breathing problems
- Breast, penis, or testes enlargement
- Nausea, vomiting, pelvic pain, or bloating
- Sudden height or weight increase
- Difficulty or changes in urination
Mild side effects (contact a doctor if persistent):
- Acne, mood changes, facial hair growth
- Headache, injection site irritation
- Fatigue, upset stomach
- Remember that, this is not a complete list of side effects, each person may have a different experience while taking this medication. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any inconvenience.
Conclusion
hCG injections are given to most patients undergoing IVF and IUI and for most fertility treatments. Initially, it may seem intimidating, but after a few applications, they become routine and empowering.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions for using hCG, and we hope this guide has been a helpful resource.
