Highly Purified Chorionic Gonadotropin Injection is a fertility-related medication prepared from the urine of pregnant women and purified to remove unwanted proteins. It mimics the natural hormone luteinizing hormone (LH) and is widely used in infertility treatments.

Mechanism of Action

• HCG works similarly to LH.

• In women, it triggers the final maturation of ovarian follicles and causes ovulation (release of an egg).

• In men, it stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which helps in the development of sperm (spermatogenesis) and the treatment of delayed puberty related to low hormone levels.

  Uses

  • In women:

    • Induction of ovulation in infertility treatment (often with clomiphene or gonadotropins).

    • Support of early pregnancy in assisted reproduction (IVF, IUI).

  • In men:

    • Treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low testosterone due to pituitary/hypothalamic dysfunction).

    • Treatment of cryptorchidism (undescended testes) in boys who don’t have anatomical abnormalities.

      Adverse Effects

      • In women:

        • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) → enlarged ovaries, abdominal pain, fluid retention.

        • Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets).

        • Headache, mood changes, injection site pain.

      • In men:

        • Gynecomastia (breast enlargement).

        • Water and sodium retention → swelling.

        • Acne, mood swings.

      • General:

        • Local redness or pain at injection site.

        • Rare allergic reactions.