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HCG Information

HCG stands for human chorionic gonadotropin; it is a hormone that supports the normal development of an egg in a woman's ovary and stimulates its release during ovulation.

  1. What Does HCG Treat?

    • HCG causes women to ovulate so it is used to treat infertility in women. It also increases sperm count in men. HCG is also administered to young boys whose testicles have not dropped.

    How Is it Administered?

    • HCG is administered as an injection by a health care professional. If you are injecting yourself at home, be sure you understand all the instructions; not only how to give yourself the injection but also how to dispose of the needle and ancillary medical waste.

    Side Effects

    • If you experience pain, warmth, redness, numbness or tingling in your arm or leg, you may have a blood clot and should contact your doctor immediately. Contact your doctor, too, if you experience confusion, extreme dizziness or severe headache.

    Chances of Multiple Pregnancy

    • HCG is used to treat infertility in women and can increase the chances of having multiples. If you do become pregnant, stop taking HCG and notify your doctor right away, as taking HCG during pregnancy can cause birth defects.

    OHSS

    • Women should notify their doctor immediately and suspend use of HCG if they experience severe pelvic or stomach pain, swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or urinating less than normal, as these are signs of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can be life-threatening. HCG can cause early puberty in young boys.

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