HCG is a common support medication in Testosterone therapy.
Human Gonadotropin serves as a fertility treatment for both men and women.
Injectable HCG is usually shipped in lyophilized (powder) form and requires reconstitution prior to use.
The liquid employed to reconstitute lyophilized HCG is bacteriostatic water, which is typically included with your order and contains 0.9% Benzyl Alcohol as an antimicrobial preservative.
Continue reading to discover the steps for mixing and administering your HCG.
Step 1: Wash your hands and gather your materials.
To begin, start by washing your hands diligently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Next, gather and prepare your essential materials. You’ll require an alcohol wipe, your bacteriostatic water and HCG vials, a reconstitution syringe and needle, as well as a Sharps container for secure disposal.
If you intend to administer the injection after reconstituting your HCG, you can also prepare an additional set of syringe, needle, and alcohol wipe. (It’s advisable to use a different needle to minimize contamination and maintain a sharp needle point.)
Step 2: Prepare your materials.
Unscrew the caps from both your bacteriostatic water and HCG vial, and utilize an alcohol wipe to sterilize the tops of each vial.
Attach the needle to your syringe, taking care to avoid any contact with the needle using your fingers. Be sure not to allow the needle to make contact with any other surface, as this can result in contamination.
If you have plans to administer the injection afterward, fix the second needle onto its respective syringe (refrain from touching the needle’s tip while doing so). Additionally, ensure your second alcohol wipe is easily accessible for cleansing the skin at the injection site before proceeding with the injection.
Step 3: Draw up your bacteriostatic water.
The quantity of bacteriostatic water to add depends on the size of your vial. HCG typically comes in a 10,000 IU vial, requiring 10 mL (milliliters) of bacteriostatic water per cubic centimeter (CC).
Ensure that the markings on your syringe are in milliliters (ML). Draw the specified volume of air into the syringe, typically 10 mL (though it’s advisable to verify this with your pharmacy instructions).
Hold the bacteriostatic water vial upside down and carefully pierce the stopper with your needle.
Gently inject air into the vial. If you encounter resistance, pause briefly to allow the pressure to equalize. Then, resume depressing the plunger until all the air has been displaced from the vial, and the bacteriostatic water has filled the syringe to the correct volume.
Always maintain aseptic technique to prevent any contact between the needle and external surfaces, ensuring the sterility of your HCG vial.
Step 4: Inject bacteriostatic water into lyophilized HGC.
Pierce the stopper of the HCG vial using the needle attached to your syringe filled with bacteriostatic water.
Gently and gradually inject the bacteriostatic water into the vial. If you encounter resistance or feel pressure, pause and allow it to equalize before continuing. You may notice the plunger moving back up a few times before the process is complete.
Exercise caution and avoid forcing the water into the HCG vial; proceed slowly and with care.
Step 5: Mix your HCG.
Gently swirl the solution until the powder and the bacteriostatic water have fully combined. Do not shake your medication or aggressively mix it. Once you’re finished, you should no longer see any powder in the HCG vial.
Step 6: Inject your HCG if desired.
When you’re prepared to administer your HCG injection, make use of your second needle, syringe, and an alcohol wipe.
For more comprehensive guidance on subcutaneous injections, please refer to specific instructions. While HCG injections are typically administered subcutaneously, it’s important to adhere to the recommendations provided by your healthcare provider and pharmacy.
Step 7: Store your HCG.
After it’s reconstituted, immediately refrigerate your HCG.
Prior to mixing, powdered HCG can be kept at room temperature. But once you add the bacteriostatic water, it should be kept in the fridge.
Reconstituted HCG can typically be used for up to 60-90 days from the date of reconstitution.
If you accidentally leave your HCG out of the fridge, the medication is likely still fine to use, but avoid leaving it out for 72 hours or more.
HCG Dosing Information
Each line on a standard syringe is equal to 10 units of HCG once the medication is mixed. The calculation is as follows:
- 10 units equals 100 IU of HCG
- 25 units equals 250 IU of HCG
- 50 units equals 500 IU of HCG
So, if your provider instructs you to use 100 IU of HCG, you will draw enough medication to fill the syringe to the 10 line on your syringe.
Your provider should work with you to develop an individualized dosing and frequency schedule that works for you.
What is HCG?
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone that supports fertility, among other functions. In women, HCG is responsible for the development and release of eggs during ovulation. In men, HCG can encourage the creation of sperm.
HCG also mimics the effects of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in men, which triggers the testes to produce Testosterone. HCG can help protect fertility as well as prevent testicular shrinkage for men who are on a TRT protocol.
What Else Should I Know About HCG?
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is often administered as an injection.
If you self-administer at home, it’s important to read all provider and pharmacy instructions carefully and make sure you are informed about how to inject HCG.
HCG Access and Availability
In recent times, a significant FDA ruling has been enforced, restricting the accessibility of compounded HCG. As a result, HCG is exclusively obtainable through commercial prescriptions, which has led to increased costs for patients. Additionally, the industry is grappling with shortages of commercial HCG as it adapts to these new regulations.
If you’re seeking assistance in navigating the complex landscape of HCG regulations, MedsBase is at your service. We aim to provide solutions for our patients, including access to HCG without the need for a prescription, addressing concerns such as testicular atrophy, fertility maintenance, sexual dysfunction, low testosterone, and more.