Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Information about Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) uses

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used in the treatment of female infertility and male hypogonadism.

How human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) works

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a sex hormone. In females, it helps in the release of eggs from the ovary. In males, it works by enhancing the production of testosterone which helps in treating conditions such as delayed puberty, and low sperm count.

Common side effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)

Injection site pain, Headache, Fatigue, Depression, Restlessness, Edema (swelling), Hypersensitivity, Ovarian cysts, Enlarged ovaries, Irritability, Precocious puberty, Breast enlargement in male, Arterial thromboembolism (blood clot in artery), Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Breathlessness, OHSS (Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome)

Available Medicine for Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

  • ₹160 to ₹975
    Bharat Serums & Vaccines Ltd
    6 variant(s)
  • ₹360 to ₹1110
    Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
    4 variant(s)
  • ₹438 to ₹975
    Serum Institute Of India Ltd
    3 variant(s)
  • ₹375 to ₹1330
    Lupin Ltd
    4 variant(s)
  • ₹337 to ₹876
    Bayer Zydus Pharma Pvt Ltd
    3 variant(s)
  • ₹360 to ₹975
    Zydus Cadila
    3 variant(s)
  • ₹390 to ₹1089
    Corona Remedies Pvt Ltd
    4 variant(s)
  • ₹350 to ₹439
    Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹3277
    Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹438 to ₹880
    Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    2 variant(s)

Expert advice for Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used together with another hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) for the treatment of infertility in women.
  • In men, it is used to help treat delayed puberty, undescended testes or oligospermia (low sperm count).
  • It is given as an injection into a muscle or under the skin.
  • Inform your doctor immediately if you have severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sudden weight gain, trouble breathing, or decreased or no urination during treatment, as these could be symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
  • If your ovaries are overstimulated you should not have sex, or use barrier contraception for at least four days.

Frequently asked questions for Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Q. What is Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and what is it used for?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) contains a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), which is also produced naturally by the body. It is used in women, who have a problem with ovulation (release of an egg). It is also used along with other fertility medicines, to help produce eggs in women who are undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). In males, it is used to treat conditions like delayed puberty, and low sperm cell count.
Q. Is Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) painful?
Usually any injection can cause pain. There are reports that Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can cause mild tenderness or tingling at the site of injection. This is quite normal for an injection procedure. However, if you experience unbearable pain after the injection, seek immediate medical advice.
Q. Where do you inject Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
This medicine is injected in the supervision of medical healthcare professional only. When Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections are to be given in the muscles, it is preferred to inject it into the buttocks or the arms. If it is to be injected beneath the skin, then it is advised to pinch a part of the skin from the abdomen or front of thigh, and then inject the medicine.
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Q. Are there any chances of twins when treated with Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)?
Yes, being treated for infertility with Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may increase the chances of getting pregnant with more than one child at the same time. In fact, it has been very commonly noticed that women develop twin pregnancy if being treated with this medicine. Consult your doctor for any such queries and follow the advice as directed.
Q. Why do doctors suggest Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections for pregnancy?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that helps in pregnancy. It is responsible for the normal development of the egg in a woman's ovary. It also helps in ovulation by stimulating the release of the egg. While Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is used in women to treat infertility, in men it is used to increase sperm count. It is usually not given if you are already pregnant. Consult your doctor and give a proper history before you start this medication.
Q. Do Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections cause breast tenderness?
Yes, Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections can sometimes lead to breast pain and enlargement of breasts, but the chances are uncommon. Do contact your doctor in case you experience any uneasiness or side effect of this medication and follow the advice given.

Content on this page was last updated on 21 October, 2022, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)