Up to 15 percent of U.S. couples may be infertile and human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, shots could be a solution for some of them. HCG shots aren't the answer to all forms of infertility, though. Talk to your doctor about tests or procedures that can help you identify why you are having trouble conceiving and whether hCG treatment is a viable option for your specific condition.
Infertility
Infertility can occur in anyone, male or female, of reproductive age. A doctor will diagnose infertility if you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success, but the diagnosis does not give any indication as to the specific cause. Causes vary widely and can include low sperm count in the male, lack of ovulation in the female, blockages that halt the progress of egg or sperm, genetic problems and hormonal imbalances. Sometimes there is no discernible cause and the doctor will recommend a number of different potential treatments.
HCG's Role in Fertility
The hCG hormone is normally produced by a woman's body during pregnancy. It can also be used in infertile women to stimulate the ovaries to release an egg. In infertile men with a specific disorder called primary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a shot of hCG can stimulate the production of sperm in the testes. The hCG hormone is typically given along with other infertility drugs, including clomiphene and human menopausal gonadotropin, or hMG. The hormone is more effective at treating female infertility than male infertility.
Getting hCG Shots
A doctor or nurse can administer hCG injections or the infertile patient might opt to pick up the prescription and self-inject at home. Women typically receive a shot at the end of a fertility cycle after taking other medications earlier in the cycle that prepare her ovary for the release of an egg. Ovulation usually occurs about 36 hours after the shot. Men might receive regular shots two to three times a week to stimulate sperm production over the course of several weeks.
Considerations
HCG shots can be useful for some forms of infertility, but they should not be used indefinitely. If the shots do not work after a few months, your doctor may advise switching to a different form of treatment. As with most infertility treatments, the use of hCG in women raises the risk of becoming pregnant with multiple babies. A pregnancy with more than one fetus is considered high risk.
