hCG injection: what it is and how it's used

hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a hormone doctors use to trigger ovulation, support early pregnancy in some treatments, and to kick-start testosterone production in men with low levels. You’ve probably heard of it in fertility clinics and in testosterone-preserving regimens after anabolic steroid use. The medicine comes as a powder that a nurse or you can mix and inject under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a muscle (intramuscular), depending on the prescription.

How it's given matters. For ovulation trigger, clinics commonly use a single 5,000–10,000 IU injection about 36 hours before egg retrieval or timed intercourse. For ovulation support or luteal phase, lower doses such as 1,000–2,000 IU a few times a week are sometimes used. Men treated for hypogonadism often get 1,000–2,500 IU two to three times per week to raise testosterone without shrinking testicles. These are general ranges—follow your doctor’s exact plan.

Practical tips for injections, storage and safety

Reconstitute the vial with sterile water or solvent your clinic provides, using the syringe included. Inject with clean hands and a fresh needle. Rotate injection sites (thigh, abdomen, buttocks) to reduce soreness. Store unused vials in the refrigerator between 2–8°C; some brands allow short periods at room temperature—check the leaflet. Discard reconstituted solution after the time recommended by the manufacturer (often 24–48 hours) to avoid infection.

Common side effects are injection-site pain, headache, fatigue, mood swings, and mild swelling. Women have a specific risk called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): painful, swollen ovaries, rapid weight gain, severe abdominal pain, nausea or breathing trouble—get emergency care if these happen. Men can experience acne, gynecomastia, or mood changes. Allergic reactions are rare but serious—if you get hives, swelling, or breathing difficulty, call emergency services.

Where to get hCG legally and what to avoid

hCG is prescription-only in most countries. Buy it through a licensed pharmacy or clinic after proper medical assessment. Avoid black-market sellers, gym locker-room deals, or unverified online shops—those products can be fake or unsafe. If cost or access is a problem, ask your provider about generic options or patient-support programs. Telemedicine clinics can legally prescribe hCG in many places, but verify credentials before you send money or personal data.

A few practical details: use a 27–30 gauge needle for subcutaneous injections and a 22–25 gauge, 1–1.5 inch needle for intramuscular shots. Swap to a fresh injection needle after you draw up the medicine. Let the vial reach room temperature before mixing. Clean the skin with alcohol and pinch or relax muscle as your nurse showed you. Note the time for ovulation triggers (usually 36 hours) and mark doses. If you miss an injection, call your provider—don’t guess. Your doctor will order blood tests (testosterone, estradiol, or pregnancy) to monitor response.

Want to know more? Talk to your doctor about why hCG is right for you, how long you should use it, and what tests to monitor. A clear plan and good follow-up cut most risks and make treatment work better.