Human chorionic growth hormone, or HCG, is a natural hormone that allows normal development of an egg in the ovary and stimulates that release of the egg during ovulation. The Mayo Clinic reports that 10 to 15 percent of couples in the United States are infertile. According to Drugs.com, HCG is used to treat infertility in women by causing ovulation. In addition, HCG may be used to treat sperm count. As with all medications, you should know how to administer or take them properly to ensure maximum effectiveness and to avoid side effects.
Step 1
Measure the proper dosage of HCG that you should be taking. Request pre-filled syringes from your doctor to make this process easier and safer. Ask your doctor how many injections you should be giving yourself per day. Read the instructions that came with the medication.
Step 2
Wash your hands and clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe. The injection site should be in your lower abdomen or front-upper-outer portion of your thigh. Allow the site to dry before continuing. Dispose of the alcohol wipe.
Step 3
Prep the needle by holding the needle straight up in the air and flicking the plastic syringe to move any air bubbles to the top. Push the plunger until a tiny drop of medication comes out to expel any air in the syringe.
Step 4
Lightly pinch the skin at the injection site between your thumb and forefinger. Avoid pinching underlying muscular tissue. Insert the syringe at a 90-degree angle as far as it can go. Make sure the needle is just underneath the skin.
Step 5
Make sure you are not injecting into a blood vessel by pulling the plunger just a small bit away from the needle to make sure no blood comes into the syringe. Remove the needle and re-insert into a different location if blood does come into the needle.
Step 6
Inject the HCG medication by pushing the plunger down all the way. Hold for three seconds before removing the needle. Place an alcohol wipe over the needle and the injection site before removing. Slowly remove the needle and immediately recover. Never leave a needle uncovered.
Step 7
Dispose of the used needle in a red biohazard container, or sharps container that can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Do not throw away in the trash. Do not recycle your needle. Review your local sharps disposal regulations by visiting SafeNeedleDisposal.org.
Step 8
Apply a bandage to the injection site if you are bleeding. Alert your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects from this injection.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not repeatedly inject medication at the same site to avoid scarring.
- Never leave a needle uncovered. Always double-glove, or wear two gloves on each hand, if giving this injection to someone else.
Things You'll Need
- HCG medication
- Syringe
- Alcohol swab
- Sharps container for needle disposal
- Bandage
