Human chorionic gonadotropin is a natural hormone that is secreted during early pregnancy. Specialized cells called trophoblasts secrete hCG in early pregnancy, and the placenta does the same later.
But sometimes, healthcare providers order hCG injection for fertility treatments. An hCG injection is injected so that the eggs become mature and seamlessly get released from the ovary. Further, it heads over to egg retrieval or intrauterine insemination.
This article will discuss when hCG injection is given and how it is beneficial. Let; ‘s get started.
Treating Fertility Issues with hCG Injection
You must know that hCG helps maintain high progesterone levels, making pregnancy successful. Urine pregnancy tests and blood tests can significantly detect this hormone. Since hCG has a structure similar to that of luteinizing hormone (LH), it can help an egg mature and release.
You can order an hCG injection and use it during an ovulation induction cycle with intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization. An hCG injection will help in ovulation after 36 hours of injecting it. Further, it helps better the time of egg retrieval or intrauterine insemination.
There are a plethora of brands selling hCG injections in the market. However, your healthcare provider will always prescribe you the one that is most appropriate for you. Remember that injections can be given intramuscularly or subcutaneously as per the brand.
hCG and Pregnancy Tests
hCG is a natural hormone that is essentially detected through urine pregnancy tests. So when you take hCG injections, it might persist in your body and can be detected in your urine for up to two weeks. And if you take a pregnancy test during that time, it will likely turn positive.
You must wait for at least two full weeks from the date of administration only to ensure a positive pregnancy test. And it is not any residual medication within your system.
When to Take hCG?
Once you take an hCG medication, an egg follicle within your ovary becomes mature. Your healthcare provider will most likely mention a specific time frame for taking hCG injections. That is why it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you ever miss out on your medications. They will also suggest if you require any adjustments in your medication timing.
If you have intrauterine insemination or intercourse, ovulation will likely occur approximately after 36 hours of injection. So, the days following your injection are immensely crucial, and you must be very careful.
Final Note
An hCG injection deliberately prompts the ovary to release a mature egg within 36 hours of taking it. It happens because hCG triggers the procedure of ovulation. And it is broadly known as “trigger shots.”
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