Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Injections for Men
HCG is a hormone that can be beneficial for both males and females. HCG can help by increasing the chances of pregnancy in females. For males, it helps in the production of Testosterone and sperm. HCG is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain medical conditions in males and females. In females assigned at birth (FAABs), HCG injection may help treat infertility. HCG injections can treat Hypogonadism in males assigned at birth (MAABs).
Human chorionic gonadotropin is generally known as pregnancy hormone because of its vital role in maintaining pregnancy.
A pregnancy test kit can detect HCG levels in urine or blood, helping to determine whether a person is pregnant.
In this article, you will read about its uses and benefits regarding MAABs.
What is HCG used for in men?
Uses of HCG in men are:
To Treat Hypogonadism
In men, HCG injections help treat symptoms of Hypogonadism, such as infertility and low Testosterone. HCG injections work by increasing the production of the male sexual hormone Testosterone. Thus, HCG increase the sperm count and help 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 HCG levels fall 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. HCG may help maintain Fertility and fulfil your desire 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. Steroid drugs can cause shrinking of the gonads and also lead to infertility. However, people also 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, resulting in the production of Testosterone.
The luteinizing hormone also stimulates sperm production within the structures of the testicles. When hCG stimulates the testicles to produce Testosterone and sperm, the size of the testicles also grows over time.
What does Research say about HCG?
A small study in 2002 conducted on older MAABs with parietal Hypogonadism showed results favouring 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. 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. HCG can benefit alone or with a combination of Testosterone. The study also showed restoration of sperm production.
A recent study in 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.
What are the Side effects of HCG?
Men using HCG Injections can experience the following side effects:
- Stomach pain
- Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site
- Gynecomastia, or growth of the male breasts
- Vomiting
- Nausea
People using hCG may develop blood clots in some rare cases. Also, some can experience rare allergic reactions, such as mild skin rashes and severe anaphylactic reactions. 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 be used for weight loss?
HCG is also used for weight loss with the help of an HCG diet. You can buy many homoeopathic HCG products without a prescription for weight loss. However, some of them aren't approved by the FDA for weight loss. Any OTC products that claim to contain HCG are not legal either. Also, the FDA has advised consumers that there is no substantial evidence that HCG works for weight loss.
These OTC products are often used in an HCG diet to help lose weight. The diet follows a low-calorie plan that involves 500 calories per day. Although such a low-calorie diet can help reduce weight, it does not show that HCG products work.
Discover more: Is HCG good for Weight loss?
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?
Yes, HCG is safe when you use it under the guidance of a doctor, 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. This is because the production of hCG takes place by hamster ovary cells.
Also, let your doctor know about all the other medications you take. 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.
Do You Know?
hCG, when used along with Semaglutide, can help achieve desirable weight loss goals. Read our complete guide on using Semaglutide and HCG together for weight Loss.
Final lines
HCG is an FDA-approved medication for treating specific conditions in males and females. HCG 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 do not consider using it as a weight loss aid.
