HCG therapy is a powerful tool to address low sperm count and enhance male fertility. However, it should be paired with lifestyle changes and medical evaluations to improve results.
During pregnancy, hCG levels rise rapidly and peak around 10 weeks, then decline until birth.
In men, hCG stimulates the Leydig cells to produce testosterone. This can boost sperm production and motility.
What is hcg?
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the cells that line the uterus during pregnancy. It promotes progesterone production by the corpus luteum1, and it also supports the implantation of the blastocyst2 that will develop into the placenta after fertilization. HCG can be detected in early pregnancy by many at-home pregnancy tests.
Because of its ability to mimic LH (Luteinizing Hormone) in men, hCG injections can help increase the number of healthy sperm produced by the testis. In some cases, hCG has even been used to treat male infertility caused by hypogonadism.
In women, hCG injections can trigger ovulation and prepare the uterus for fertilization. In men, it can be used to boost sperm count and improve fertility as part of an assisted reproductive technology (ART) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.
Most hCG tests are immunometric assays that measure the presence of a tracer molecule and radiolabeled antibodies. The two bind to different parts of the hCG molecule, sandwiching it and making it detectable. The resulting complex is measured by the immunometric method, with serum or urine samples. Some medications may interfere with hCG testing, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any medication you’re taking and how it might affect the results of your test.
How does hcg work?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a pregnancy hormone produced by the cells that form the placenta1. It is released into a woman’s blood and urine when a fertilized egg implants in her uterus. This hormone causes your uterus to grow a thick lining for the embryo, and it supports a high level of progesterone, both critical for early pregnancy.2
In the first few weeks of a pregnancy, hCG levels rise rapidly. This rapid rise is the reason home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy as soon as 10 days after ovulation. Doctors often check a person’s hCG levels during pregnancy, and they can also use these results to determine how well the embryo and placenta are developing.
For men using hCG plus TRT, doctors may also check for 17 OH-progesterone blood levels. This test shows whether or not hCG is having an effect on testosterone production in the Leydig cells of the testicles. This can help doctors optimize the hCG dose and frequency, and it may even eliminate the need for a semen analysis, which can be difficult in men who are using hCG.
In normal pregnancies, hCG levels remain relatively stable throughout the first trimester, but they fall in the second and third trimesters. This usually does not indicate a problem, but it can be a sign of an unsuccessful pregnancy.
How long does hcg take to work?
hCG works to increase sperm count in men by mimicking the hormone LH, which triggers ovulation in women and increases testosterone in men. It’s used as a “trigger shot” in fertility treatments that aim to boost conception rates, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization.
HCG injections typically work best in men who suffer from secondary hypogonadism, a condition where the cause of low testosterone is outside the testes, such as damage or dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. It doesn’t help in primary hypogonadism, which is caused by problems with the testes themselves.
Because the hCG level only spikes briefly when you ovulate, it’s important to get multiple blood tests done over the course of time to see a clear trend in sperm count. Having several readings over 48 hours gives us a better idea of the state of your sperm count and the likelihood of pregnancy.
In general, hCG is usually well tolerated by men. However, there are some side effects that you should be aware of before starting a treatment. These include fatigue, depression, and headaches. In some cases, hCG can also cause mild skin rash or an allergic reaction. In these cases, it’s important to speak with your doctor right away. He or she will be able to prescribe you a lower dose to address these issues.
What are the side effects of hcg?
The use of hCG to increase testosterone and sperm counts is very safe and effective. However, if you are taking any other medications, particularly those that affect hormone production, or if you have an underlying health condition, it’s important to let your doctor know about these prior to beginning treatment with hCG.
It’s also important to follow the exact schedule and dosage of your hCG injections as prescribed by your doctor. Skipping doses can decrease its effectiveness and may not increase your chances of success. It’s also best to avoid self-administering your hCG at home, as this can lead to serious side effects.
Studies have shown that hCG can help men who have hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) increase their sperm count. This is because hCG mimics LH, which signals the Leydig cells to produce more testosterone. In fact, one study found that hCG increased the sperm count in all six men who had HH developed postpuberty. In contrast, only one of the eight men who had HH develop prepuberty experienced a similar result.
Another advantage of hCG is that it can be combined with other fertility treatments, including assisted reproductive technologies. It can also be used in combination with lifestyle changes to enhance sperm count, such as a healthy diet and exercise. It’s also a good idea to have your blood tested frequently to check your hCG levels and make sure you are receiving the right amount of hCG.
