Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Injections for Men
HCG is a hormone that can help and are helpful in both males and females. It can help by increasing the chances of pregnancy in females. For males, it may help produce Testosterone and sperm. It is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat specific medical conditions. In females assigned at birth (FAABs), HCG injection may help treat infertility. These injections can treat hypogonadism in males assigned at birth (MAABs).
Human chorionic gonadotropin is generally known as pregnancy hormone. It is because due to its vital role in maintaining pregnancy.
With the help of a pregnancy test kit, the HCG levels can be detected in the urine or blood. It can help determine whether a person is pregnant or not.
In this article, you will read about its uses and benefits regarding MAABs.
What is HCG used for in men?
These are some uses of HCG in men-
To Treat Hypogonadism
In men, HCG injections may help treat symptoms of Hypogonadism, such as infertility and low Testosterone. HCG injection works by increasing the production of the male sexual hormone known as Testosterone. Thus it increases the sperm count and helps reduce infertility in men.
Improve Testosterone deficiency
HCG injections are sometimes used as an alternative to treat testosterone deficiency in MAABs. Testosterone deficiency means having low testosterone blood levels. When it falls below 300 ng/dL, a person may experience symptoms of low Testosterone. It may cause-
- Low sex drive
- Depressed mood
- Stress
- Fatigue
According to the American Urological Association, HCG is an effective and appropriate treatment for MAABs with low Testosterone. It may help maintain Fertility and fulfill your desire if you want to have kids.
Some testosterone products may boost the hormone levels in the body but may also induce some side effects. These products may cause the shrinking of gonads, alter sexual function, and cause infertility as their side effects. But HCG injections can help increase-
- Gonad size
- Fertility
- Testosterone levels
Some doctors say using Testosterone and HCG together may help with low testosterone symptoms. Also, it will minimize the risk of side effects.
Improve sexual function
By improving the levels of Testosterone, HCG can help improve sexual function in men. Having low levels of Testosterone may lead to low sex desire. Thus, using HCG injections in males can boost their sexual function.
Help reverse the side effects of Steroids
Bodybuilders who take steroids may have some unwanted effects on their bodies. These steroid drugs can cause shrinking of the gonads and also lead to infertility. In such cases, sometimes people use HCG instead of other testosterone products to prevent or reverse the side effects of steroids.
How does HCG increase testosterone levels?
In men, Human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) acts similarly to luteinizing hormone(LH). LH stimulates Leydig cells in the testicles. As a result, the production of Testosterone takes place.
The luteinizing hormone also stimulates sperm production within the structures of the testicles. When hCG stimulates the testicles to produce Testosterone and sperm, the growth in the size of the testicles is also seen over time.
What does Research say about HCG?
There has been very little clinical study on Human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG) in MAABs with low testosterone levels.
A small study in 2002 conducted on older MAABs with parietal Hypogonadism showed results favoring HCG. In these people, HCG increases testosterone levels in comparison to a placebo. However, hCG does not have any effects on sexual function in these men.
During a study in 2005, researchers found that HCG and Testosterone can sustain testosterone production in MAABs. And in 2013, another study with the same inputs showed that HCG could maintain adequate sperm production in MAABs.
In 2018, a study found that HCG can help MAABs with Hypogonadism maintain their Fertility. It can benefit alone or with a combination of Testosterone. Also, it showed restoration of sperm production as well during the study.
A recent study 2019 found that HCG use in MAABs with Hypogonadism symptoms is also safe and effective in those with testosterone levels above 300 ng/dL. A Testosterone level above 300 ng/dL is generally considered normal in men.
Side effects of HCG
Here are some common side effects of HCG injections that men can face while using them.
- Stomach pain
- Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site
- Gynecomastia, or growth of the male breasts
- Vomiting
- Nausea
In some rare cases, people using hCG may develop blood clots. Rare allergic reactions, such as mild skin rashes and severe anaphylactic reactions, may also occur. Please consult a doctor if you suspect these symptoms after taking the first dose of hCG. Seek medical help if side effects persist.
Can HCG use for weight loss?
Sometimes HCG is also used for weight loss with the help of a HCG diet. You can buy many homeopathic HCG products without a prescription for weight loss. But, among of them aren't approved by FDA for weight loss. Any OTC products available in the market claiming to contain HCG is not legal either. Also, FDA has advised consumers that no substantial evidence shows HCG works for weight loss.
These OTC products are often used as a part of an HCG diet to help lose weight. The diet follows a low-calorie diet that involves 500 calories per day. However, such a low-calorie diet can help reduce weight, but it does not show that hCG product works.
Also, an extremely low-calorie diet can be unsafe for some people. Here are the possible side effects that may appear when you have an extra-restrictive diet-
- Arrhythmias
- Gallstones
- Electrolyte imbalances
Is HCG safe?
HCG is safe to use when you use it under the guidance of a doctor and in the proper way, as suggested. MAABs suffering from brain cancers, prostate cancer, or uncontrolled thyroid disease should not use it.
Before taking HCG injections, you must inform your doctor if you already suffer from any other health condition. Also, people with an allergy to hamster protein should not consider using hCG injections. It is because the production of hCG takes place by hamster ovary cells.
Also, let your doctor know about all the other medications you take. And do not use OTC HCG products unless they are FDA approved. The FDA especially warns against these HCG products and advises avoiding the HCG diet.
Final lines
HCG is an FDA-approved medication for treating specific conditions in males and females. It plays a vital role in men by working as an alternative to Testosterone. It boosts testosterone levels in the body and helps maintain Fertility in MAABs.
Some doctors advised it in conjunction with testosterone products. Using HCG this way can help with testosterone deficiency to maintain Fertility and sexual function.
Some people also use the hCG diet for weight loss.
But, there is no evidence that hCG works for weight loss, and it is not FDA-approved. So please consult a doctor and not consider using it as a weight loss aid.
