Can HCG Help Women With Infertility?

HCG is a hormone produced by the placenta that is released by the body to sustain a pregnancy. During the early weeks of pregnancy, the hormone stimulates the natural production of progesterone by signaling the mass cells in the ovary after ovulation to continue releasing progesterone. Production of this hormone increase and doubles every 48 to 72 hours during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. 

How Does HCG Work?

This hormone is similar in structure to LH which is used to stimulate ovulation. Your body reacts similarly to how it reacts to LH. HCG shots help ovaries release eggs which is important to begin pregnancy. When there is a follicle in the ovary, this hormone causes the egg to be released as part of the ovulation process. Injections are also used to time egg retrievals in an IVF cycle. These work as trigger shot that leads the egg to go through its final growth spurt and release from the follicles. 

When to Take and How Many Injections are Needed?

Fertility treatments depend on or are highly specific to each person. Doctors will prescribe the specific dosage and timing of injections based on your health status. This may be used alone or along with other recommended fertility drugs depending on your condition. Most HCG injections contain 5000 to 10000 units. You can administer each shot intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The timing or schedule of injections will be determined by your doctor and you should follow the instructions religiously.

Warnings and Side Effects of HCG Injection for Infertility in Women

Cautions should be taken prior to use as there are some side effects you may experience such as:

• An allergic reaction to the drug or skin soreness at the injection site
• Upset stomach
• Joint pain and headache 
• Fever

Serious but uncommon side effects may include:

• Developing an ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• Mild abdominal pain caused by OHSS
• Bloating
• Symptoms of dehydration

Alternatives for HCG Injection

1. HCG supplements. It is a medically-approved treatment that can be used as an alternative if you are intimidated by injections. Be careful with nutritional products with various claims as HCG for infertility cannot be used without any approved prescription.

2. Progesterone. It is often prescribed to women who have experienced a prior miscarriage as a strategy to maintain the pregnancy. For some women, supplemental progesterone has helped during early pregnancy. It helps maintain the uterine lining so supplementation is meant to prevent miscarriage. There is some controversy over the efficacy of this treatment though since the link between low progesterone and miscarriage is not entirely clear.

How to Measure Your HCG Level 

A blood test is the most accurate way to detect and track your hormone levels. Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of this hormone but can’t tell you the amount in your urine. And while some pregnancy tests on the market are geared to tell you if your hormone levels have risen over the baseline, they are not meant to monitor healthy pregnancies.

Other fertility tracking systems can also help you track other fertility hormones like luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and PdG. Tracking and monitoring these hormones can help you achieve your fertility goals and provide valuable health information about your body. 

Approved HCG Product for Infertility

Ovidac 2000ius. It contains Human Chronic Gonadotropin which is found in the placental cells of pregnant women. HCG Ovidac 2000ius is used for infertility treatment for men and women. Your doctor will decide the right time to take the injection, so always follow your doctor’s advice. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. 

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease or an ovarian cyst. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should avoid alcohol or have to follow the doctor’s advice related to diet while taking this medicine.