Pregnyl is a brand-name injectable form of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone used to trigger ovulation in women, treat undescended testes in boys, and stimulate testosterone production in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

What Is Pregnyl?

Pregnyl contains chorionic gonadotropin derived from the urine of pregnant women. It's manufactured by Organon (formerly Merck) and has been an established treatment in reproductive medicine for decades.

Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Pregnyl
• Generic name: Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
• Drug class: Gonadotropin
• Manufacturer: Organon
• Form: Powder for injection with diluent, 10,000 USP units per vial
• Route: Intramuscular (IM) injection
• Controlled substance: No
• Generic available: Yes

Other brand names for hCG include Novarel (also urinary-derived) and Ovidrel (recombinant hCG, given subcutaneously). For a comparison of these options, see our guide on alternatives to Pregnyl.

What Is Pregnyl Used For?

Pregnyl is FDA-approved for three main uses:

1. Ovulation Induction in Women

This is the most common use. In women who aren't ovulating on their own (anovulatory infertility), Pregnyl is given as a "trigger shot" after the ovaries have been stimulated with other medications like menotropins (Menopur) or follicle-stimulating hormone (Gonal-F, Follistim). The hCG injection mimics the natural LH surge that triggers the release of a mature egg.

Pregnyl is widely used in IVF (in vitro fertilization), IUI (intrauterine insemination), and other assisted reproductive technology protocols.

2. Cryptorchidism in Boys

Cryptorchidism means one or both testes haven't descended into the scrotum. In prepubertal boys where the cause isn't a physical blockage, hCG can stimulate testicular descent. This is typically tried before surgical intervention.

3. Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in Men

In men whose pituitary gland doesn't produce enough LH, Pregnyl stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. It's used to treat low testosterone and support fertility in men with this condition. Some doctors also prescribe it alongside testosterone replacement therapy to maintain testicular function and sperm production.

How Is Pregnyl Taken?

Pregnyl is given as an intramuscular (IM) injection, usually into the upper outer area of the buttock or thigh. Here's what the process looks like:

1. Reconstitution: Pregnyl comes as a powder that must be mixed with the provided bacteriostatic water before injection.
2. Injection: It's typically administered by a healthcare provider in a clinic, though many patients learn to self-inject at home after training.
3. Storage: Once mixed, the solution should be refrigerated and used within 30 days.

Typical Dosing

• Ovulation induction (women): 5,000-10,000 units as a single IM injection, timed precisely based on follicle development
• Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (men): 500-4,000 units IM, 2-3 times per week
• Cryptorchidism (boys): 4,000 units IM, 3 times per week for 3 weeks (protocols vary)

Your doctor will determine the exact dose and timing based on your specific condition and response to treatment. For women in fertility cycles, the timing of the Pregnyl injection is critical — often down to the hour.

Who Should Not Take Pregnyl?

Pregnyl is contraindicated in several situations:

• Pregnancy (when used for ovulation induction — hCG can cause harm in this context)
• Prostate cancer or other androgen-dependent tumors
• Precocious puberty
• Ovarian cysts or enlargement not related to polycystic ovary syndrome
• Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
• Abnormal uterine bleeding of unknown cause
• Known allergy to hCG or any component of the product

Pregnyl should be used with caution in patients with heart or kidney disease because it can cause fluid retention. Your doctor should be aware of your full medical history before prescribing it.

For a detailed look at side effects and warning signs, read our guide on Pregnyl side effects.

How Much Does Pregnyl Cost?

The cash price for Pregnyl ranges from $100 to $250 per 10,000-unit vial without insurance. Generic chorionic gonadotropin runs about $80 to $200 per vial.

Insurance coverage varies significantly:

• Some plans cover Pregnyl for FDA-approved indications
• Fertility-related uses may require prior authorization
• Some insurance plans exclude fertility medications entirely
• Some states mandate fertility treatment coverage, which may include hCG

If cost is a barrier, there are options. Organon may offer patient support programs, and organizations like NeedyMeds and RESOLVE can help connect you with financial assistance. For a complete breakdown, read our guide on how to save money on Pregnyl.

Availability in 2026

Pregnyl and other hCG products have experienced intermittent shortages since 2020 due to manufacturing consolidation and high demand. Availability remains inconsistent at many pharmacies in early 2026.

If you need to fill a Pregnyl prescription, use Medfinder to check pharmacy stock in real time before sending your prescription. If Pregnyl is unavailable, your doctor may substitute Novarel or Ovidrel.

Final Thoughts

Pregnyl is a well-established hCG medication with a long track record in fertility medicine, pediatric endocrinology, and men's health. Understanding what it is, how it's dosed, and what it costs puts you in a better position to work with your healthcare team. If you need help finding a doctor or locating Pregnyl at a pharmacy, we have guides for that too.