What Is Chorionic Gonadotropin?

Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is an injectable hormone medication that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) to trigger ovulation in women, stimulate testosterone production in men, and treat undescended testicles in boys.

If you or someone you know has been prescribed Chorionic Gonadotropin, you probably have questions. What exactly is this medication? What's it used for? How do you take an injectable hormone at home? This guide covers everything you need to know in clear, straightforward language.

The Basics: Brand Names, Drug Class, and FDA Approval

Chorionic Gonadotropin belongs to a class of drugs called gonadotropins — hormones that stimulate the reproductive glands. It's available under several brand names:

• Pregnyl (manufactured by Organon)
• Novarel (manufactured by Ferring Pharmaceuticals)
• Ovidrel (Choriogonadotropin Alfa, a recombinant version manufactured by EMD Serono)
• Generic HCG (available from multiple manufacturers)

Chorionic Gonadotropin is not a controlled substance. It is FDA-approved and has been used in medicine for decades. In 2020, the FDA reclassified HCG as a biologic under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA), which changed how it's regulated and contributed to ongoing supply challenges.

What Is Chorionic Gonadotropin Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

1. Ovulation induction in women: Chorionic Gonadotropin is used as a "trigger shot" to cause the final maturation and release of eggs in women undergoing fertility treatment. It's given after the ovaries have been stimulated with other medications like menotropins (Menopur).
2. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men: In men whose brains don't produce enough signaling hormones (LH and FSH), Chorionic Gonadotropin stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. This can improve low testosterone symptoms and support fertility.
3. Cryptorchidism in prepubertal boys: For boys with undescended testicles that aren't caused by a physical blockage, Chorionic Gonadotropin can stimulate testosterone production and help the testicles descend naturally.

Common Off-Label Uses

• Adjunct to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT): Many men on TRT use Chorionic Gonadotropin to maintain testicular size and preserve fertility, since exogenous testosterone can suppress the body's own production. This is one of the most common uses in practice.
• IVF trigger shot: While technically part of the ovulation induction indication, Chorionic Gonadotropin's role as a trigger shot in IVF cycles is one of its most well-known applications.

Important note: You may have heard of HCG being marketed for weight loss. This use is not supported by scientific evidence, and both the FDA and the American Medical Association advise against it.

How Is Chorionic Gonadotropin Taken?

Chorionic Gonadotropin is given by injection — either intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SubQ), depending on the formulation:

Powder for Injection (Pregnyl, Novarel, Generic)

These come as a freeze-dried powder that you mix with bacteriostatic water before injecting. Vials are available in 5,000 and 10,000 USP unit strengths. After reconstitution, the solution must be refrigerated and is typically good for 30-60 days.

The injection is usually given in the upper thigh, abdomen, or buttock. Your doctor or nurse will show you exactly how to prepare and inject the medication.

Prefilled Syringe (Ovidrel)

Ovidrel is a recombinant form of HCG that comes in a ready-to-use prefilled syringe (250 mcg/0.5 mL). It's given as a subcutaneous injection only — no mixing required. This is more convenient but also more expensive.

Typical Dosing

Dosing varies significantly depending on the condition being treated:

• Ovulation induction: A single dose of 5,000-10,000 units IM, given after completing a course of follicle-stimulating medications
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: 500-4,000 units IM, 2-3 times per week
• Cryptorchidism: 500-4,000 units IM, 2-3 times per week for 3-6 weeks
• TRT adjunct (off-label): 500-2,500 units, 2-3 times per week

Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your condition, lab results, and response to treatment. Never adjust your dose on your own.

Who Should Not Take Chorionic Gonadotropin?

Chorionic Gonadotropin is not safe for everyone. It is contraindicated in people with:

• Known allergy to HCG or any ingredient in the formulation
• Pregnancy (Pregnancy Category X — it can harm a developing fetus)
• Prostate cancer or other androgen-dependent cancers
• Precocious puberty (early puberty)
• Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal gland problems
• Unexplained abnormal uterine bleeding
• Ovarian cysts or enlargement not caused by polycystic ovary syndrome
• Sex-hormone-dependent tumors of the breast, uterus, or ovary

Tell your doctor about all medical conditions before starting Chorionic Gonadotropin, especially heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, migraines, or asthma — the fluid retention from HCG can worsen these conditions.

For a complete guide to potential reactions, see our post on Chorionic Gonadotropin side effects.

How Much Does Chorionic Gonadotropin Cost?

Cost varies depending on whether you're using a brand-name or generic product, your pharmacy, and your insurance coverage:

• Generic HCG: $80-$200 per 10,000 unit vial (cash price)
• Brand-name (Pregnyl, Novarel): $100-$500+ per 10,000 unit vial (cash price)
• Ovidrel prefilled syringe: Often more expensive than traditional HCG vials

Insurance coverage varies widely. Many plans cover Chorionic Gonadotropin for FDA-approved uses like cryptorchidism and hypogonadism. Fertility-related coverage depends on your state and plan — some states mandate fertility treatment coverage, while others don't. Prior authorization is often required.

If you're paying out of pocket, discount cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can reduce your costs significantly. Check our detailed guide on saving money on Chorionic Gonadotropin for all available options.

Finding Chorionic Gonadotropin in 2026

Due to ongoing supply challenges, finding Chorionic Gonadotropin in stock can be difficult. If your pharmacy doesn't have it, you have options:

• Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it available
• Ask your doctor about specialty pharmacies that reliably stock it
• Consider whether an alternative medication might work for your situation

Final Thoughts

Chorionic Gonadotropin is a well-established medication with important applications in fertility treatment, hormone therapy, and pediatric care. While it's been around for decades, recent regulatory changes have made it harder to find and sometimes more expensive. Understanding what it is, how it works, and what your options are puts you in a better position to work with your doctor and get the treatment you need.

If you're having trouble locating Chorionic Gonadotropin at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you find it in stock near you.