HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, is a hormone that is important in supporting a woman’s ovaries for healthy egg development, in addition to the successful release of the egg during ovulation. HCG stimulates ovation and treats infertility in women, increases sperm count in men, and in some cases can be used on young boys whose testicles have not dropped down into the scrotum normally (usually caused by a pituitary gland disorder) (HCG, 2013).
How HCG Works
During the beginning of pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropins interacts with the LHCG receptor of the ovary and promotes the maintenance of the corpus luteum. Over the course of the first trimester, the corpus luteum secretes the hormone progesterone, which enriches the uterus with a thick lining of capillaries and blood vessels. This environment becomes the ideal place to sustain the growing fetus.
Scientists think this is caused by the highly negative charge emitted by HCG, that they may repel the immune cells of the mother, thereby protecting the fetus during the third trimester. It has also been suggested that HCG may be a placental link for the development of local maternal immunotolerance, and that fluctuating levels of the hormone are linked to the severity of morning sickness.
HCG is clinically known to induce ovulation in ovaries as well as testosterone production in the testes. This leads many organizations (Pregnyl, Follutein, Profasi, Choragon, Novarel, and Ovidrel) to collect the urine from pregnant women to extract the hormone or from cultures of genetically modified microbes to use in fertility treatments (hCG, 2014).
How to Use HCG
Some brands of HCG come in powder form with a spate liquid that you must mix together and draw into a syringe, while other brans provide single-dose prefilled syringes. HCG is usually administered as an injection to be shot under the skin or muscle. Your nurse or doctor will advise you on the proper methods of injection, should you use HCG at home. You should not attempt to self-inject if instructions were not given.
Make sure to use only one needle at a time, then dispose of the contaminated needle in a puncture proof container (ask your pharmacist were you may purchase one and how to properly dispose of one).
Some women using hCG develop a condition called hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). It occurs more commonly after the first treatment cycle and can be a life-threatening condition. You should call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of OHSS, which include: severe pelvic pain, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, swelling of the hands and/or feet, and increased urination.
HCG can also cause early puberty in young boys. Your doctor should be notified immediately if a boy using this medication displays early signs of puberty: deepened voice, pubic hair growth, sweating, and increased acne.
Although HCG can help you become pregnant, it can also increase your chances of having multiples in pregnancy (twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc). When carrying multiples, the mother is considered a high-risk pregnancy. You should follow your doctor’s instructions closely concerning any special care needed during pregnancy.
HCG has been shown to cause birth defects, giving it the FDA pregnancy categorization of X. You should not use hCG if you are pregnant. Inform your doctor right away if you suddenly become pregnant during your treatment (HCG intramuscular, 2005-2014).
References
HCG. (2013, August 13). Retrieved from Drugs.com: http://www.drugs.com/hcg.html
hCG. (2014, September 5). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_chorionic_gonadotropin
HCG intramuscular. (2005-2014). Retrieved from Web MD: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11192/hcg-im/details#side-effects
