Human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly known as HCG, is the hormone produced by the placenta in the early stages of pregnancy according to the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center. It is used by the pregnant mother's body to metabolize her own fat for usable energy; this sustains the needed nutrients for the growing fetus through the placenta. Although useful, HCG injections can present some complications.
Multiple Pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy is one of the most common side effect of fertility drugs such as HCG injection. In fact, one of out three women who successfully got pregnant using a fertility drug is most likely to have multiple pregnancy, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Multiple pregnancy is a risk for premature delivery. Premature delivery in turn can cause health problems to preterm babies such as lung immaturity and low birth weight. Multiple pregnancy is also a risk factor for difficult labor and delivery. It is also associated to the possible development of cerebral palsy and other brain development problems in the babies.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can occur in women receiving HCG administration. The usual manifestation of this syndrome is swollen, painful ovaries. About 25 percent of women receiving fertility hormones develop mild forms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. About 2 percent of women receiving hormones can have a much more serious type of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which can result to increased weight gain, pain in the abdomen and vomiting. This can complicate to electrolyte imbalance, which is the imbalance of sodium, potassium and calcium within the body resulting into serious and sometimes life-threatening emergency. Kidney failure or severe kidney malfunction can also occur as a result of severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance brought about by too much vomiting. Abnormal enlargement and possible twisting or torsion of the ovary can also happen, which if left without surgical intervention, can result into necrosis or premature cell death of the ovary. Blood clots especially in the large vessels of the legs can also possibly occur.
Complications in Men
According to the National Drug and Alcohol Research Center, HCG is sometimes used by weight builders in the belief that it can promote growth of skeletal muscles and reduce body fat. If used for sustained periods, however, this can cause gynecomastia, or breast enlargement in males. Enlargement of the prostate, the gland at the base of the bladder, can also occur causing difficulty in urination and other urinary symptoms such as pain in urination, dribbling of urine and sometimes incontinence or inability to control urination.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Does the HCG diet work --- and is it safe?
- Americal Society for Reproductive Medicine: PATIENT FACT SHEET: Fertility Drugs and the Risk of Multiple Births
- MayoClinic.com: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
- "Oxford Journals"; Human Reproduction: Time interval from human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection to follicular rupture; Andersen, A.G. et al.; 1995"Oxford Journals"; Human Reproduction: Time interval from human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) injection to follicular rupture; Andersen, A.G. et al.; 1995
- NDARC Fact Sheet: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
