How to Take an HCG Injection

A human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection is an injection of a hormone into the body. It is typically given to help patients facing fertility issues. Men may take HCG to help increase sperm production, and women may take the medication to help release eggs from their ovaries as ovulation approaches. Pain and possible complications from the injection can be reduced if precautions are taken and the medication is administered properly.

Things You'll Need

• EMLA cream
• Ice

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Instructions

• 1

  Talk to a medical professional first. A medical professional such a doctor or nurse can help guide the person giving the medication through the steps involved. If you are administering the medication yourself, this step is particularly important.

• 2

  Make sure you have the right dosage. Dosages are usually given in either 5,000 or 10,000 units. Check the labels on the package carefully. If you don't have the right dosage, the medication may not work or it may need to be administered again.

• 3

  Decide where the medication should be administered. Most health professionals will advise injecting it in the hip region. Make a small dot on your flesh with erasable marker to indicate where you would like it placed.

• 4

  Numb the area in advance. This can be done in one of two ways. You can purchase EMLA cream from a pharmacy and apply it to the skin an hour in advance to numb the area. Or you can numb the area with ice. Use two large cubes and press directly against your skin for at least a minute.

• 5

  Have the person preparing the needle make sure it has been sterilized with alcohol and is the right gauge. A needle that's too small may not work, and a needle that's too large may cause needless pain. Your doctor's office will tell you the correct gauge to use.

• 6

  Remove any clothing covering your hip. Grasp a banister or other sturdy structure with one hand. Shift as much weight as possible onto the leg opposite the one where the injection is to be placed. Let the leg bearing the least amount of weight touch the floor lightly. The injection can then be administered. Close your eyes and focus on being somewhere you find pleasant such as your favorite beach or mountain lake.

• 7

  After the injection has been given, ice the area further to help make sure the medication has been absorbed properly. The area should also be massaged for a few minutes to reduce the chance of lumps forming in this region.