HCG Fertility Injections

HCG (Profasi, Pregnyl, Ovidrel ) induces the same effect that your natural LH surge provides — the maturation and ovulation of the mature egg or eggs from the ovary, and then supports the production of progesterone by the ovaries for approximately one week..

It is administered when the follicles have reached the adequate size (16 – 20 mm) and the estradiol level is sufficient.

Appropriately-timed HCG injection ensures ovulation approximately 36-40 hours later, and enables perfectly timed intercourse or insemination. Please note that HCG injections will cause ovulation, but your pituitary will not release LH (positive urine ovulation test), so do not test ovulation when using HCG injections.

HCG is also used during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles to mature the eggs prior to egg retrieval, which is then performed approximately 36 hours after the HCG injection. HCG can also be used for luteal support after IUI or egg retrieval in patients who do not have an excessive number of follicles. You may be instructed to take an additional injection of HCG to support the luteal phase. This will naturally encourage your own ovaries to make adequate levels of progesterone. Please note that if you check a pregnancy test within 10 days of receiving Ovidrel that you may have a “false positive” result (i.e. it says you are pregnant when you are not).