Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that plays a crucial role in fertility treatments. It is often used in assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), to trigger ovulation in women who are trying to conceive.
hCG mimics the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge that naturally occurs in the female body to initiate ovulation. By administering hCG at the appropriate time, fertility specialists can precisely control when ovulation occurs, increasing the chances of successful fertilization. This is particularly beneficial in cases where timing is critical, such as when multiple eggs are being monitored in a controlled setting like IVF.
In addition to triggering ovulation, hCG also supports the early stages of pregnancy by maintaining the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone essential for sustaining the uterine lining and promoting embryo implantation.
For men, hCG can also be used to stimulate sperm production in cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition where the body produces insufficient levels of certain hormones required for sperm production.
While hCG is a powerful tool in fertility treatments, it is usually used in conjunction with other medications and under the guidance of a fertility specialist to optimize outcomes and minimize risks.