Human chorionic gonadotropin is a critical hormone—for both women and men—when it comes to conceiving and maintaining a pregnancy. In fact, hCG injections are often used with other fertility drugs to help conceive. But what exactly is it? And what should you expect with hCG injections for fertility?
What is hCG?
HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin if you’re not into all the brevity, it’s a critical reproductive hormone. It is often referred to as the pregnancy hormone, thanks to its role in the development of the placenta, but both men and women produce it in small amounts. In non-pregnant women, as well as in men, hCG comes mainly from the pituitary gland, liver and colon.
What is he doing?
After the arrest, hCG it is produced by the placenta in much larger quantities. And it is responsible for telling your body to produce more Estrogen and Progesterone. This is the signal to your brain to stop ovulating and menstruating and go into pregnancy mode, hence its nickname, the pregnancy hormone.
It also tells your body to thicken the lining of your uterus. The proper balance of hCG, estrogen, and progesterone, as well as the thickening of the uterine lining, all help support a pregnancy.
In men, hCG performs a similar function to luteinizing hormoneor LH, as it is linked to testosterone levels and sperm production. And because of this involvement in fertility, hCG is often used as a treatment to improve both male and female fertility.
HCG Injections for Fertility: What Happens?
HCG injections are often included in fertility treatments. For women, it’s generally given in conjunction with close monitoring of follicle development, as well as ultrasounds and lab tests to see how well it’s working.
Men may also be prescribed hCG injections if tests show that the sperm count is too low for conception, as it has shown some effectiveness in improving both testosterone levels and low sperm count.
Before you get too far into imagining what this might be like and have a mini-freak – because who likes needles? Take a deep breath. Your doctor will show you how to properly administer hCG and how to dispose of the materials safely. It can also help to have your partner or someone there to help you.
There are two options for hCG fertility injections: subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. And the difference between the two might just make the difference for you.
Subcutaneous injection
Subcutaneous: Simply means under the skin. This means you can get that vision of a crazy long needle out of your head. A hypodermic needle is short because it’s only supposed to go under the skin, and that’s it.
The best and most painless places for subcutaneous injections are the lower abdomen, the front or outer thigh, and the side or back of the upper arm. These parts are easily accessible and more likely to have a layer of fat on them, which means less pain for you. Yes!
Intramuscular injection
Intramuscular or IM injections are not as common as subcutaneous injections when it comes to hCG injections for fertility. Here’s the part you might not like: IM injections require a needle that’s a bit larger. But, if you’ve ever had a flu shot, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.
IM injections are usually given in the gluteal muscle near your hip. This point can be difficult to approach on your own, so it can be helpful to have someone else help you.
A shorter needle sounds preferable to most people, but your doctor will ultimately decide which one is right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most people are uncomfortable with needles, but if you really have difficulty with needles, let your doctor know.
Preparation of the drug
Yes, you will also be responsible for loading the syringe. So find your inner nurse and remember that you can Do this.
Liquid medicine
Your doctor may prescribe hCG that is already mixed and ready to go in a small vial. Yes! Make sure you follow your pharmacist’s instructions on how to store it properly, as well as how to measure it properly, if necessary. Do not hesitate to call your pharmacist or doctor with any questions you may have later.
Medicine powder
If you open your prescription to find powder and sterile water, don’t panic. Read the instructions, listen to the instructions and advice of your doctor or pharmacist. And remember it’s designed to be easy to follow. You have this.
Side effects
As with any type of medication, there are side effects to hCG. Some of the most common include mild bloating and abdominal or pelvic pain. More serious but rare side effects include:
- An allergic reaction, including rashes, hives, swollen face, lips or tongue, etc.
- Respiratory problems
- Reduce urine output
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Sudden weight gain
- Swollen legs or feet
- Severe headaches, dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Who should not take hCG?
While hCG is generally considered safe, there are a few situations where it may not be a good choice. Tell your doctor if you have the following:
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Migraines
- An allergy to hCG
- Other hormone-related conditions.
You should also tell your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you started having your period at an earlier age than is considered normal, i.e. if you had your period before the age of eight.
A quick word about hCG for weight loss…
You may have heard of a recent trend where people are using hCG as a weight loss tool. Let’s clear it up for you.
Exercise and whole foods are the best, most sustainable way to lose weight for the vast majority of people. And hCG is not FDA approved for weight loss. HCG is also not approved for over-the-counter consumption. That means you need a prescription to get it. So if you see something on a shelf that claims to have hCG in it, don’t buy it. If someone claims that the magic hCG supplement will help you lose weight, run away.
HCG Injections for Fertility Treatment: Now What?
If you are considering fertility options and treatments, hCG is definitely one of the most common and it is effective in many cases. That said, it’s not a simple task, so make sure you have enough support if hCG is the route you choose.
Fertility journeys can be stressful, so support isn’t just about needles. Talking to someone you trust can really help you deal with the emotional ups and downs you may be going through. And as always gang, if you have any worries or concerns, or if you see any of the symptoms we mentioned, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
