Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy. It is measured in early pregnancy to detect pregnancy and monitor embryonic growth. hCG can also be given as a medication to stimulate ovulation.

If you suspect that you are pregnant, you can take a blood or urine test that measures the presence of hCG. Your test is positive for pregnancy if hCG is present in your blood or urine.

Five thousand units to 10,000 units of hCG can be injected into your muscle or under your skin to trigger ovulation. When used at mid-cycle, hCG can act like your body’s luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. The hCG causes the dominant follicle in the ovary to release its egg approximately 36 to 40 hours after the injection.

When used in the second half of your menstrual cycle, hCG also stimulates your ovary to make progesterone. This helps support your uterine lining after ovulation. These injections are given every few days as prescribed by your provider.

After your hCG injections, you may experience side effects including bloating, breast tenderness, headache or irritation at the injection site. HCG may also cause you to have a false positive pregnancy test if the test is done too soon after the injection.

HCG is a pregnancy hormone that is measured to detect early pregnancy. When used as a fertility medication, hCG injections may be helpful at different times during infertility treatment.