HCG and Fertility: How It Can Help Couples Conceive

08/29/2023

 

What is HCG?

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin is a hormone, usually produced in small quantities in one's body. However, during pregnancy, its production increases, and this is what a pregnancy test's objective is: to test the levels and tell whether you are pregnant. It is an essential component of a successful pregnancy. It is supposed to be produced in higher amounts than usual to support the conception during the first few months before the placenta starts producing estrogen and progesterone. HCG can also be used to boost your chances of becoming pregnant during Fertility treatments like ART (assisted reproductive technology) and IVF (in-vitro fertilization) cycle. The various benefits of an hCG injection are as follows:

1. In females, it can be used to induce an egg, also known as an oocyte, to mature and ovulate. This benefit has given hCG another name, i.e., a "trigger shot" because it triggers the egg to release from an ovary to get fertilized by a sperm.
2. In males, it can be used to correct the testosterone levels. It can potentially increase the sperm count, eventually helping a couple to have a successful conception.

hCG plays a prominent role during pregnancy and in fertility treatments because of its similar structure as LH, an abbreviation for luteinizing hormone. It is used as a substitute for the pituitary hormone LH (luteinizing hormone). This hormone is a glycoprotein hormone, and its function is to stimulate ovulation in women and increase testosterone production in men. Due to hCG’s nature of mimicking the exact same nature of the luteinizing hormone, it is an essential part of treating infertility conditions in both sexes. After your doctor prescribes the hCG treatment, you can buy Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Injections online from us at a very reasonable price.

How do hCG injections boost fertility in women?

In women, injections like Pregnyl 5000iu freeze dried hcg injection and Fertigyn 5000 iu freeze dried injection are given to help stimulate the ovulation process during an ART (assisted reproductive technology) protocol. During this protocol, the hCG triggers the ovulation process around 36 hours later and helps the matured eggs to release from one of the ovaries to go down the fallopian tube and get ready to be fertilized by a sperm. Healthcare providers also use an hCG shot during an IVF (in-vitro fertilization) procedure to help the eggs mature before they can be fertilized in a laboratory. 

Although hCG injections can be used during multiple fertility treatments like IVFs and IUIs (intrauterine insemination), they all have different success rates. Even though hCG injections are able to boost a couple's chance of conceiving in most of the treatments, there is still no easy method to know or measure its success rate. During a few researches, it was found that the success rates of these fertility treatments are highly variable. The rates depend a lot on the age of the female, underlying health issues, other fertility issues, and other treatments/therapies that the patient is undergoing during that time.

How do hCG injections boost fertility in men?

HCG mimics LH, a hormone that boosts testosterone levels. And since testosterone plays a crucial role in sperm production, hCG is used to help boost fertility in males with low testosterone along with a suboptimal sperm count. It benefits males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), a condition in which the body does not produce enough sex hormones. In the last few years, research has shown that hCG injections like Hucog 2000 iu and Sifasi-HP HCG 2000IU have helped males who conceive HH and lead to an increase in sperm levels for about 25% of men. However, whether it will lead to a successful conception and live birth highly depends from individual to individual. Also, the success in males varies with the underlying degree of abnormality and the male's health. 

Side effects of hCG Injections during infertility treatments

hCG injections are safe and efficacious when taken to boost fertility in men and women. Side effects of hCG are usually mild and not severe. Like any other medication, hCG injections can cause some common and severe side effects.

Common side effects

• Stomach pain

• Rashes

• Swelling

• Bloating

• Headaches

• Dizziness

The above-mentioned side effects are mostly common when administered in women and don't require any medication attention. They usually disappear on their own in 1-2 weeks.

Severe side effects

There are some side effects that are not so common and may require medical help due to their severity. These severe side effects include:

• OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome) – In this condition, the ovaries respond excessively when injected with the hCG fertility drug. It causes swelling and pain in the ovaries, and if you experience these symptoms during the treatment, do not leave it untreated. Seek immediate medical attention, as it can be life threatening when not treated at the right time.

• Ectopic pregnancy and twisted ovaries – You may require surgery if you experience adnexal torsion or ectopic pregnancy.

• Severe bloating

• Indigestion

• Severe diarrhea and vomiting

• Shortness in breath

• Swelling in legs and hands

• Less urination than normal

Bottom Line

If you're having trouble conceiving, you may have definitely heard about hCG. It is naturally present during pregnancy and can help trigger ovulation in women and increase testosterone levels in men. It's a common component in fertility treatments, but its success rate depends on various factors, including your current health and the type of ART procedure you're undergoing. To determine if hCG is the right choice for you, it's best to speak with a reproductive endocrinologist who can discuss your options and guide you on the best course of action. Remember, every situation is unique, and a good doctor will ensure you get the most suitable personalized care.