| Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a protein produced during pregnancy.The original form of hCG is recovered from the urine of pregnant women, purified (which eliminate the risk of infection) and marketed in the form of a powder. Another form of hCG (Ovidrel) is now manufactured by recominant techniques, that is, by cell cultures that have been genetically programmed to make this protein. Most of our patients receive hCG rather than Ovidrel since the hCG preparation is cheaper and, perhaps, slightly more effective. |
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The biological action of hCG is identical to the action of another hormone-luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone is currently available as a medication in quantities too small and expensive to be used for triggering ovulation.. As a substitute for luteinizing hormone, hCG is used to trigger ovulation and maintain hormone production from the ovaries after ovulation.
The dose of hCG, which we will use to trigger ovulation, varies according to the individual and the clinical situation. Below are instructions for reconstituting hCG in the most commonly prescribed dosages. Usually, Hcg is sold in a glass vial, which has a rubber diaphragm at its top through which a needle may be inserted to inject and withdraw liquid. The liquid used to dissolve the hCG (the diluent) is supplied in a similar vial. Usually, 10 cc of water are supplied in the diluent. Be careful to keep track of which vial contains the hCG powder and which vial contains only the diluent water. Once you have dissolved the hCG powder with water, the liquid in both bottles will appear identical.
The following directions are placed here for use by our current patients in mixing and injecting hCG injections.
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Once the hCG powder is dissolved, both of the bottles will contain colorless fluid. Make sure you withdraw and inject the fluid that contains the hCG. Discard the unused portion of the diluent. |
Using a 3 or 5 cc syringe, pull 2 cc of diluent from its bottle and transfer the diluent into the vial, which contains the hCG powder. Gently shake until the powder is dissolved. Then pull the hCG solution out of the bottle back into the syringe (at this point it is optional to change the needle on the tip of the syringe. It may have gotten dull from penetrating the top of the bottles.) You are now ready to inject 10,000 units of hCH.
Use a 5cc syringe. Pull 4 cc of diluent out of its bottle. Transfer the diluent into the bottle with 10,000 units of hCG powder. Gently shake until the powder is dissolved . Withdraw 3 cc (=7,500 units). You may change the needle on the syringe. Insert the medicine. Save ( in the refrigerator) the remaining 1 cc (= 2,500 units) for possible use as a booster shot later in the cycle. Discard the unused diluent.
| If using a vial with 10,000 units of hCG, use a 5 cc syringe. Transfer 4 cc of diluent into the 10,000 units of hCG powder. Gently shake until dissolved. Withdraw 2 cc (=5,000 units). As an option you may now change the needle on the end of the syringe. You are now ready to inject the medication. Save the 2 cc (5,000) in the refrigerator for future use. Discard the unused diluent. |
| If using a vial with 5,000 units, use either a 3 or 5 cc syringe. Draw out 2 cc of diluent. Transfer it into the vial with 5,000 units of hCG powder. Gently shake until dissolved. Withdraw 2 cc (=5,000 units). As an option you may now change the needle on the end of the syringe. You are now ready for injection. |
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Fertility Injections: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)