Drug: Human Chronic Gonadotrophin (H.C.G.)

Human Chronic Gonadotrophin hormone or H.C.G hormone is used for treating fertility medically. Learn more about H.C.G and its medical uses.H.C.G hormone is used in form of an injectable drug. This drug is used in fertility treatments. It is also used for treating sex-hormone related disorders. In the following article, we have discussed about uses of H.C.G in medical fertility treatments and its effects. In this articleWhat is H.C.G and when is it prescribed?How is the H.C.G hormone administered?What if clomiphene therapy and H.C.G doses fail?When is it not advisable to take H.C.G?What are things to remember before undergoing H.C.G treatment?What are the side effects of H.C.G?What are complications related to H.C.G administration?Can H.C.G interfere with other substances?What is H.C.G and when is it prescribed?H.C.G. is a hormone manufactured by the early embryo and placenta. It has an effect identical to that of L.H. It is therefore administered at the time of the expected L.H. surge in order to trigger ovulation in an egg brought to maturity by clomiphene. It also used to induce increase in sperm production in men. How is the H.C.G hormone administered?It is given in a dosage of 5,000 (1 ampoule) - 10,000 units by intramuscular injection. Sometimes the luteal phase is still too short in spite of clomiphene in maximum dosage and H.C.G. In such cases, a second H.C.G. injection of 5,000 units is given 7 days after the first H.C.G. This should have the effect of prolonging the luteal phase, thus giving a fertilized egg a better chance of having time to implant in the uterus. However, this second injection can be misleading as patients will see a temperature rise on the B.B.T. Chart that will continue for a few days longer than usual.What if clomiphene therapy and H.C.G doses fail?10-20% of women fail to conceive on clomiphene and H C.G. In these cases, it will be necessary to consider treatment with Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin, Pergonal. However, if P.C.O.D. is present, treatment with pure F.S.H., Metrodin will be indicated. When is it not advisable to take H.C.G?The administration of H.C.G can be risky in case of the following conditions.If the patient is pregnantIf the patient is suffering from prostate cancer or any other cancer which is triggered by male hormones or androgens. If the patient is allergic to H.C.G hormone or any of its components.If the patient is experiencing early pubertyWhat are things to remember before undergoing H.C.G treatment?You must notify your doctor if you are coping with any of the following conditions before undergoing H.C.G therapy.Kidney diseaseHeart diseaseOvarian cystAny kind of allergyMigraineSeizuresAsthmaCoping with early pubertyWhat are the side effects of H.C.G? H.C.G may cause side effects like headache, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, depression, swelling in different parts of legs or in hands, pain in the area where injection was given, development of female breasts in men etc. If any of such side effects or any abnormal side effects are observed, patient must report to the doctor immediately.What are complications related to H.C.G administration?Administration of H.C.G may also give rise to certain complications. These problems include complications like formation of blood clots, multiple pregnancies, rupturing or swelling of ovaries. It can also sometimes cause life threatening allergies.Can H.C.G interfere with other substances?H.C.G can interfere with alcohol. Therefore, if pregnancy is planned considering the H.C.G hormone, it is necessary to inform the doctor if the patient is taking alcohol. In this case doctor may advice patient to stop taking alcoholic drinks. H.C.G can also interfere with any other medicines that the patient is taking including over-the-counter medicines, vitamin supplements, protein powders, nutritional shakes, herbal medicines or remedies, recreational drugs or drugs used for treating any medical conditions.If your doctor is prescribing you H.C.G hormone, you must give all the details of your medical history as wells as the medicines that you are/were taking to him or her to avoid any kind of complication.