Some compounding pharmacies send HCG in different size vials (up to 50,000 IU). There are no FDA-approved over-the-counter hCG products. It appears as a curved structure on the posterior (back)…, The glans penis can be described as the rounded head (or tip) of the penis. We gathered the best blogs…, The left testicular vein is the male equivalent of the ovarian vein. Have been to a clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand where the doctor recommended HCG 2,000 iu every 3 days. Feb 21, 2014 4:40PM in Long term TTC & infertility Hi Ladies, I was wondering how many of you out there have a DH on HCG treatment to increase sperm count? The most common side effects men experience when hCG injections are used include: In rare cases, people taking hCG have developed blood clots. These products are often used as part of the “hCG diet.” This typically involves taking hCG supplements while following a low-calorie diet of 500 calories per day. In response to intramuscular testosterone (but really this can be expanded to include any exogenous source of testosterone) both FSH and LH will drop to very low (suppressive) ranges within 2-3 days. As a man ages, his body’s natural level of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to deplete. To conclude, we should say that the increase in sperm count depends on individual health conditions and weather conditions, along with specific issues faced by men. During therapy, all achieved normal male levels of T. Twelve of 13 had marked and continuous increase in testicular volume. There is also speculation that hCG might help improve sexual function in men who don’t have improvement while on testosterone. Rare potential side effects include headaches, weight gain, hypertension, cataracts, acne, dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, mood changes (depression, irritability) and pain at the injection site. For men, a cycle of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) means giving yourself three injections a week, on the same three days each week, for at least six months (Snyder 2015). Remember that these medications do not directly improve sperm quality, but rather exert their effect by increasing testosterone production (and, in the case of clomiphene and anastrazole, possibly FSH levels if these are low). It works almost exactly like LH in men, it tells the testicles to make BOTH testosterone and sperm. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a medication which has a similar structure and essentially the same hormonal action as LH. Your fertility doctor can conduct a sperm analysis if you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving. within only a few weeks or may require long time i.e. In men, doctors prescribe hCG to combat the symptoms of hypogonadism, such as low testosterone and infertility. Protocols for injection schedules differ, but most experts recommend three times per week. This can largely be mitigated with the use of hCG which acts directly on the testis as an LH agonist. HCG stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and is a hormone of pregnancy. [Tsujimura A. TheAgingMale 2005]. Five of the patients (45 percent) showed a mean increase in total motile sperm counts of 491 percent after three to six months. You may have heard that testosterone supplements can help in the bedroom. HCG must be given by injection, either intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SQ). So men with low testosterone levels tell their doctor that they still prefer to have children this is what it typically prescribed. The total motile sperm count were significantly increased in the pregnant group than the nonpregnant group (38.7 x 10(6) versus 28.6 x 10(6); P < 0.001). However, HCG is generally considered to be a more powerful medication in the sense of driving increased testosterone production, and therefore it may be effective in men whose testosterone levels have not risen sufficiently with clomiphene or anastrazole. In general, 1cc to 2cc are generally used for SQ injections (more than this can cause an uncomfortable raised area at the injection site). Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the hormone from the pituitary gland which tells the Leydig cells in the testicles to make testosterone. When used appropriately with the guidance of your doctor, hCG is safe. hCG levels can vary at … Like clomiphene, HCG can increase estradiol to abnormally high levels in some men through the conversion of testosterone to estradiol by the aromatase enzyme. Human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) is a potent female fertility medication which can also increase sperm count and stimulate sperm motility in men. HMG is also an injectable hormone similar to HCG. This normally causes the size of the testes to increase and the testosterone to reach normal levels. All three of these medications use HCG extracted from the urine of pregnant women. All but 1 patient developed sperm in their seminal fluid during combined hCG and hMG therapy. Hence, depending on specific problem, a man can witness changes in his sperm count quickly i.e. No side effects or complications were also seen in a study of 20 men taking HCG for hypogonadism. Also, will hCG increase testicle size? If the sperm count hasn't improved with hCG after six months, the doctor may suggest adding hMG injections to the regimen. As hCG stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm, the testicles grow in size over time. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Testosterone products boost levels of the hormone in the body but can have the side effects of shrinking the gonads, altering sexual function, and causing infertility. Other forms of HCG that are less commonly used in men include Ovidrel, Follutein, Profasi, Choragon, and Choropex. Prescription medications: Many medications including Clomid, FSH, HcG and a host of others are often prescribed to improve semen quality by boosting hormones that are involved in sperm production. Gonadotropins: HCG treatment means getting two to three injections a week. Low testosterone does not necessarily mean low sperm count. I recommend monitoring hematocrit levels with a goal to keep the hematocrit at 54% or less. HCG is produced from hamster ovary cells. However, there is no reliable evidence that hCG works for this purpose, and it might not be safe. In his youth, hCG plays an important role in his overall sexual function by encouraging the production of testosterone in the testes.The hCG benefits for men are undeniable. Although also rare, allergic reactions can occur, including mild skin rashes and severe anaphylactic reactions. The appropriate amount of fluid is then taken into a syringe and is injected subcutaneously into the upper outer thigh, lower abdomen, or upper outer arm region (as shown in the “Subcutaneous Injection Lessons” video on above listed website). Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a medication which has a similar structure and essentially the same hormonal action as LH. Clomiphene and HCG both work by increasing LH-effect, so these medications are not commonly used together (unless the clomiphene is being utilized to increase an inappropriately low FSH level). So, although the injection techniques are the same, slight modifications need to be made for males who typically use the HCG three times a week for prolonged periods of time. In men, it seems to have an important role as an alternative to testosterone for boosting testosterone levels and maintaining fertility. One meta-analysis   looked at the results of several studies on Clomid and male infertility, specifically, men experiencing idiopathic low sperm count and/or poor sperm motility. Among responders, sperm motility rose from a mean of 12 percent at the start of the study to 34 percent post-intervention. Several products are available that are marketed as over-the-counter homeopathic hCG products for weight loss. This powder is mixed with a sterile fluid called ‘diluent’, into which the HCG powder dissolves. Both of these are felt to be equally effective, but the SQ approach uses a smaller needle size and is felt to be more comfortable. For more information on this, see the “Exogenous Androgens/Anabolic Steroids” section of this website. Commercially, HCG comes in several different formulations. However, HCG has a much longer half-life (30 hours) than LH (30 minutes), with a peak onset of increased testosterone of about 72-96 hours … HCG can help increase testosterone levels, increase fertility, and increase gonad size. A 2019 FDA ruling has also made HCG unavailable by most compounding pharmacies, which has served to further worsen the shortage of HCG in the United States. The HCG will come as a powder inside a sealed bottle. Men with elevations in their estradiol levels while taking HCG may also benefit from the aromatase-inhibiting activity of anastrazole as well. Currently, the FDA deems as fraudulent the marketing of HCG as a weight loss enhancement. It may take a year or two before treatment with hCG and hMG reaches maximum effectiveness. [Madhusoodanan V. IBJU 2019]. HCG is an injectable hormone given under the skin or into the muscle to help increase sperm count in men. Some people are also using hCG for weight loss, often as a component of the hCG diet. In one study, men taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain adequate sperm production. HCG injection is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat specific medical conditions in both women and men. Located in the middle of the glans penis is the opening of the urethra…. My husband has idiopathic oligoasthenospermia (unknown cause of low sperm count) and I'm wondering if anyone has had success or has heard of success with men taking clomid or similar hormones to increase their numbers. In men Pregnyl, and Novarel are most commonly used, but generic HCG is also made by compounding pharmacies. Combination treatment is required, with HCG to stimulate testosterone production; and HMG to stimulate sperm production. The FDA has also advised that there is no substantial evidence that hCG works for weight loss. [Madhusoodanan V. IBJU 2019] Since HCG works by increasing LH activity, if the LH is already elevated (over 20 IU/L) then HCG will likely not be effective at increasing testosterone levels. about 6 months to witness any significant difference in the sperm count. A study of 175 men taking HCG injections found that none of them had any significant adverse side effects. Another difference is that, unlike clomiphene and anastrazole, HCG does not increase FSH production, although this should not matter clinically in men whose FSH is already elevated. Over-the-counter products claiming to contain hCG aren’t legally authorized. 4. A typical starting dosage is 2,000 IU three times per week. In another study, men taking testosterone along with hCG were able to maintain testosterone production in the testicles. Each treatment cycle runs for up to six months. Testosterone is crucial for many body processes, including fat loss and muscle growth. They are the glands where sperm and testosterone are produced. The FDA warns against using these products or following the hCG diet. In men, hCG acts like luteinizing hormone (LH). Each ejaculatory duct is about two centimeters in length…, The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that stores sperm and transports it from the testes. Can Testosterone Supplements Improve Your Sex Drive? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Written by the Healthline Medical Network. Bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids such as testosterone also sometimes use hCG to prevent or reverse some of the side effects cause by steroids, such as gonad shrinkage and infertility. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult to conceive naturally, although successful pregnancies can still occur. Testosterone deficiency is defined as testosterone blood levels less than 300 nanograms per deciliter along with symptoms of low testosterone. The timeframe for boosting sperm count is usually a little longer, with an average of 6 months until real improvements are seen. Both testicles have veins that attach at different locations. Three men had sperm in the ejaculate with hCG treatment alone. Sperm is the male sex cell, also known as a “gamete,” that carries half of the genetic material for a new baby. hCG levels in early pregnancy are at their highest towards the end of the first trimester, before they gradually decline over the rest of the pregnancy. Before you try them, we’ll explain what testosterone does and how levels of…, There’s a lot of health advice out there, and it can be challenging to find what’s most helpful for you and your lifestyle. To treat low testosterone without supplements, you may take an HCG supplement, which will increase your testosterone levels without negatively impacting FSH levels or sperm production. These include: According to the American Urological Association, hCG is appropriate for those men with testosterone deficiency who also desire to maintain fertility. Significance was reached when the total motile sperm count exceeded 5 x 10(6). However, HCG has a much longer half-life (30 hours) than LH (30 minutes), with a peak onset of increased testosterone of about 72-96 hours after administration. HCG may be covered by your insurance company, but if you do not have insurance coverage for your medications, the pricing of HCG from some regional and fertility-specific pharmacies is reviewed in the "Fertility Medications Cost" section of this website. People with an allergy to hamster protein shouldn’t take hCG. HCG is an FDA-approved medication for treating specific conditions in both women and men. Basic injection teaching videos can be found at: www.villagefertilitypharmacy.com, Go to “Medication Injection Lessons” in right upper corner, Scroll down and click on “HCG”, “Novarel”, or “Pregnyl” (whichever you have been prescribed). Luteinizing hormone (LH) is the hormone from the pituitary gland which tells the Leydig cells in the testicles to make testosterone. There was no effect of hCG on sexual function. Patients who experience significant adverse side effects should stop their medication and contact your doctor for further guidance. Pregnancy tests check hCG levels in the urine or blood to determine if the test in positive or negative. HCG dosages can vary widely, from 500 IU to 4,000 IU three times a week. hMG is stronger than hCG because it mimics both LH and FSH and additionally binds to receptors in the testicles hCG … HCG can be given either subcutaneously (SQ) or intramuscularly (IM). All rights reserved. HCG hormone works by telling the testes to produce testosterone and sperm . ★★★ How Long After Stopping Testosterone Does Sperm Count Increase How Long Does It Take For Side Effects To Go Away After Using Testosterone Cypionate What Does It Mean For Testosterone Level To Go From 12 To 3 In Females Male Enhancement Creams Work How To Turn Back On Testosterone. However, it can sometimes be more effective when the pituitary gland is not responding to clomiphene, and is generally able to raise testosterone levels higher than can anastrazole (as long as baseline LH levels are not elevated above 20 IU/L). The right…, On each side of the prostate gland (in the male reproductive system) is an ejaculatory duct. Injectable hCG Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) like luteinizing hormone (LH) is a powerful stimulant and known to stimulate the hormonal system quicker than Clomid. Therefore, a man whose testosterone is pushed back up into the normal range by either clomiphene, anastrazole, or HCG should have the same potential clinical benefit to sperm quality. Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a medicinal herb … The amount of fluid that needs to be injected depends on the amount of diluent used to dissolve the powder. Hello everyone! As with clomiphene and anastrazole, I usually recommend follow-up testing two weeks after starting HCG, or two weeks after any change in dosage or medications. On rare occasions, a patient who is not responding as expected to SQ HCG injections may have a better effect with trying IM injections of HCG. Some doctors are prescribing it in conjunction with testosterone products for testosterone deficiency to help maintain fertility and sexual function. In men, hCG acts like luteinizing hormone (LH). Initially, the man takes HCG injections thrice a week for about 6 months. HCG is sometimes used for weight loss. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Increases in hematocrit have been noted in men taking HCG injections, though rates of polycythemia are low. Sperm are produced in the testicles in a process called spermatogenesis; in a healthy reproductive system, approximately 50 – 100 million viable sperm are produced each day. If so what dosage/ frequency did he take? The 8 Best Supplements to Boost Testosterone Levels. Very little clinical research has evaluated hCG in men with low testosterone levels. Low levels of hCG may be detected in a woman’s blood 8-11 days after conception. Advice for bringing sperm count back to normal after TRT - posted in Male Factor: In short: Would like to start a family, but diagnosed azoospermic after being on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for about 10 years. The results of this experiment were statistically significant. The popularity of HCG has also risen through its use by “rejuvenation” clinics for men seeking an improved quality of life and/or sexual function, as well as body builders, who often use HCG between cycles of anabolic steroid use to maintain testicular function. Some doctors think that using testosterone along with hCG might improve symptoms of testosterone deficiency while preventing some of the testosterone side effects. The three are essentially equivalent in terms of dosing and potency. Breast tenderness and/or enlargement (gynecomastia) can occur but should be rare if estradiol levels are monitored and kept within the normal range. In men, doctors prescribe hCG to combat the symptoms of hypogonadism, such as low testosterone and infertility. Injections of hCG are also sometimes used as an alternative to testosterone products in men with testosterone deficiency.