Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone used in various medical treatments, requiring precise administration. This article guides self-injecting HCG into the stomach. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice; always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Understanding HCG and Its Medical Uses
HCG is a hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy. In a medical context, it is used as a prescription drug for specific conditions. Its FDA-approved applications include treating select cases of female infertility, where it can stimulate egg development and release, and certain hormone treatments in men, such as addressing hypogonadism or aiding in sperm production. HCG is also approved for use in young boys when their testicles have not descended into the scrotum normally.
HCG is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Scientific evidence does not support claims that HCG increases weight loss beyond what results from caloric restriction alone. Products marketed for weight loss with HCG often involve very low-calorie diets, which carry risks like gallstone formation, electrolyte imbalances, and heart arrhythmias. Such diets should only be undertaken under medical supervision.
Essential Preparations Before Injection
Before administering an HCG injection, gather all necessary supplies and ensure a sterile environment. You will need your HCG vial, a diluent (if powdered), sterile syringes and needles, alcohol swabs, and a sharps disposal container. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to prevent contamination.
If your HCG is powdered, reconstitute it with the provided sterile diluent. Gently remove protective caps from both vials, then clean the rubber stoppers with an alcohol swab and allow them to air dry. Draw the prescribed diluent into a sterile syringe, then inject it into the HCG powder vial. Gently swirl the vial until the powder dissolves and the solution is clear; avoid vigorous shaking, which can damage the HCG molecule.
With the mixing needle still in the vial, invert it and withdraw the precise dosage into the injection syringe, ensuring the needle tip remains submerged. Before injection, check the syringe for air bubbles. If present, flick the syringe to make them rise, then gently push the plunger to expel the air until a small droplet of medication appears at the needle tip.
The Stomach Injection Technique
The abdomen is a common site for subcutaneous HCG injections due to its fatty tissue. Choose an injection site in the abdominal area, below the waist and above the hip bone, at least one inch away from the navel. Rotate injection sites daily to minimize bruising, discomfort, and scarring.
Before injecting, clean the chosen area thoroughly with a fresh alcohol swab. Allow the alcohol to air dry completely on your skin to reduce stinging during the injection. Once the skin is dry, gently pinch a fold of skin, about 1 to 2 inches, between your thumb and forefinger to create a subcutaneous fat pocket.
Hold the syringe like a pencil and insert the needle straight into the pinched skin at a 90-degree angle. If you can only grasp about one inch of skin, a 45-degree angle may be more appropriate. Slowly depress the plunger to inject the medication into the fatty layer. After the plunger is fully depressed, wait a few seconds before smoothly withdrawing the needle at the same angle it was inserted.
Post-Injection Care and Safety Considerations
Immediately after the injection, dispose of the used syringe and needle into a designated sharps container. This prevents accidental needle sticks and ensures safe waste management. Never reuse needles or syringes.
Minor local side effects at the injection site are common, including slight pain, redness, irritation, swelling, bruising, itching, or soreness. These reactions typically subside on their own. Avoid rubbing the injection site, as this can increase bruising.
Reconstituted HCG must be stored in the refrigerator, typically at 36-46°F (2-8°C). The stability of reconstituted HCG can vary by brand, but it is viable for 30 to 60 days when refrigerated. Always check the specific product instructions for storage guidelines and expiration dates. Unmixed HCG powder can be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Contact a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning symptoms. These include:
Signs of infection at the injection site, such as increasing pain, warmth, spreading redness, or pus.
Severe allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
Symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), including severe abdominal pain, bloating, rapid weight gain, severe nausea, or decreased urination.
Symptoms of a blood clot, such as pain, warmth, redness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg, or chest pain.