Human chorionic gonadotropin is a crucial 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 medications to help with conception. But what is it exactly? And what should you expect with hCG injections for fertility?
What is hCG?
HCG, or Human chorionic gonadotropin if you’re not into the whole brevity thing, is a crucial reproductive hormone. It’s often referred to as the pregnancy hormone, thanks to its role in placental development, but both men and women produce it in small quantities. In women outside of pregnancy, as well as men, hCG mostly comes from your Pituitary gland, liver, and colon.
What does it do?
After conception, hCG is produced by the placenta in much larger quantities. And it’s responsible for telling your body to produce more Estrogen and Progesterone. This is the signal to your brain to stop ovulation and menstruation and switch to pregnancy mode, hence its nickname, the pregnancy hormone.
It also tells your body to thicken the lining of your uterus. The right balance of hCG, Estrogen, and Progesterone, plus the thickening of the uterine lining, all help to support a pregnancy.
In men, hCG performs a similar function to Luteinizing Hormone, or LH, as it’s linked to Testosterone levels and sperm production. And because of this involvement in fertility, hCG is often used as a treatment for improving both male and female fertility.
HCG injections for fertility: What happens?
HCG injections are often included in fertility treatments. Where women are concerned, it’s generally given in combination with close monitoring of follicle growth as well as ultrasounds and lab tests to see how well it’s working.
Men can also be prescribed hCG injections if tests show a sperm count too low for conception, as it’s shown some effectiveness in improving both Testosterone levels and low sperm count.
Before you get too deep into imagining what that might look like and have a mini freak out — because who likes needles? Take a deep breath. Your doctor will show you how to administer the hCG properly and how to dispose of the materials safely. It may also help to have your partner or someone there to help you.
There are two options for fertility hCG injections: subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. And the difference between the two might just make all the difference for you.
Subcutaneous injection
Subcutaneous: It simply means below the skin. That means you can get that vision of a crazy long needle out of your head. A subcutaneous 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, front or outside thigh, and the side or back of the upper arm. These places are easy to reach and are more likely to have a layer of fat over them, which means less pain for you. Yay!
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 may not like: IM injections need a needle that is a bit longer. But, if you’ve ever had a flu shot, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.
IM injections are typically given in the glute muscle near your hip. This spot can be hard to reach on your own, so it can be helpful to have someone else’s help.
A shorter needle sounds preferable to most people, but your doctor will ultimately decide which 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, please let your doctor know.
Preparing the medication
Yes, you will also be responsible for loading the syringe. So, find your inner nurse and remember that you can do this.
Liquid medication
Your doctor may prescribe hCG that is already mixed and ready to go in a little vial. Yay! Make sure you follow the pharmacist’s directions for how to store it properly, as well as how to measure it correctly, if necessary. Don’t hesitate to call your pharmacist or doctor with any questions you may have later on.
Powder medication
If you open your filled prescription to find powder and sterile water, don’t panic. Read the directions, listen to the instructions and tips from your doctor or pharmacist. And remember that it’s designed to be easy to follow. You’ve got 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.
- Breathing problems
- Decrease urine output
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Sudden weight gain
- Swollen feet or legs
- Severe headaches, dizziness
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Who shouldn’t take hCG?
While hCG is generally considered safe, there are a few circumstances where it may not be a good choice. Let your doctor know if you have the following:
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Migraines
- An hCG allergy
- Other hormone-related conditions.
You should also let your doctor know if you are already pregnant or started getting your period at a younger age than is considered typical, i.e., if you got your period before age eight.
A quick word about hCG for weight loss…
You may have heard of a recent trend where people use hCG as a weight loss tool. Let us clear that 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 approved by the FDA 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 their magic hCG supplement will help you lose weight, run away.
HCG injections for fertility treatment: What now?
If you’re looking at fertility options and treatments, hCG is definitely among the most common, and it’s effective in many cases. That said, it’s not a simple task, so make sure you’ve got plenty of support if hCG is the route you choose.
Fertility journeys can be stressful, so that support isn’t just for the needles. Having someone you trust to talk to can really help you deal with the emotional ups and downs that you may well encounter. And as always gang, if you have any worries, or concerns, or if you see any of the symptoms we mentioned, please talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
