When you’re trying to conceive, you want every possible advantage. That’s why some people use HCG injections to increase their chances of getting pregnant. But before you get excited about using this hormone, you should know that it has some potential side effects. Fortunately, most of these are fairly minor and will resolve once your body adjusts to the HCG injections. However, it’s important to understand what these side effects are so you can discuss them with your doctor if necessary. The side effects listed below are not all-encompassing but instead are intended to give you an idea of what to look out for if you’re thinking about getting HCG injections as part of your IVF treatment.
Headache
One of the most common side effects of HCG injections is a headache. This is likely caused by the hormone stimulating the production of prostaglandins in your body. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause your blood vessels to expand and contract, which can lead to a headache. If your headache is particularly severe and lasts for more than a few hours, you may want to consider stopping the injections. However, most people will experience a headache that resolves after a few hours. If you experience a severe headache or another side effect, you should stop the injections and contact your doctor.
Fatigue
Another common side effect of HCG injections is fatigue. This is particularly common in people who have been trying to get pregnant for an extended period of time. Researchers believe this side effect is caused by the hormone increasing the number of stem cells in your blood. Stem cells are cells that can become any type of cell in your body, including eggs. When HCG injections are used to increase your egg supply, they are often given on a daily basis, which can cause fatigue. You should keep in mind that this side effect is temporary, and it will likely resolve once the HCG injections end.
Nausea and Vomiting
Another common side effect of HCG injections is nausea and vomiting. This is often caused by the hormone stimulating the production of prostaglandins in your body. The prostaglandins in your blood can stimulate the production of stomach enzymes that cause nausea and vomiting. There are a few things you can do to prevent this side effect. First, you can take anti-nausea medication before the HCG injections. Second, you can eat small, bland meals before the injections to prevent your stomach from over-acidifying. Finally, you can schedule the injections at regular times, which will help prevent the nausea and vomiting from occurring.
Weight Loss
Another potential side effect of HCG injections is weight loss. This is often caused by the hormone increasing the metabolic rate of your body. The metabolic rate is the rate at which your body burns calories. This can cause you to lose weight, as your body will burn more calories than usual. While this side effect may seem like a good thing, it can actually make it more difficult for you to conceive. If you lose enough weight, you may not have enough body fat left to make a successful pregnancy.
Excessive Hair Growth
Another potential side effect of HCG injections is excessive hair growth. This can be particularly problematic for women who are trying to get pregnant. Excessive hair growth may be caused by the hormone increasing the number of hair follicles in your body. Hair follicles are the structures that produce hair, and when there are more of them, you will produce more hair.
Conclusion
HCG injections are a hormone that is commonly injected into people who are trying to get pregnant. This hormone is designed to trick your body into thinking that you are pregnant, which can increase your chances of getting pregnant. However, the side effects of HCG injections can be problematic for some people. You should discuss these potential side effects with your doctor before getting HCG injections so you can be prepared for them if they occur. Fortunately, most of these side effects are mild and don't have lasting effects.