Unless you’re reproductively challenged or looking to shed fat fast, you’ve probably never heard of the HCG hormone. Or the HCG diet for that matter.
Like many diets or pregnancy plans, the HCG “plan” comes with a supplement. That supplement is the HCG injection, and it’s one that you have to give to yourself. It can be pretty intimidating if you’ve never given yourself an injection before, but rest assured that you can easily learn.
If you’re interested in learning how to inject HCG properly and what it’s all about, keep on reading.
The Function of HCG in the Body
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a protein-based hormone that is produced during pregnancy. It’s actually the hormone that lets you know that you’re pregnant. HCG also helps to maintain the production of two other important hormones: Progesterone and estrogen which are essential to the growth of the embryo and fetus during pregnancy.
Despite HCG being nicknamed the “pregnancy hormone”, men also produce small amounts naturally. HCG may also be prescribed to men for certain conditions such as hypogonadism, low testosterone, and to increase sperm count. Women who have trouble becoming pregnant often turn to HCG injections to trigger ovulation.
Adversely, elevated levels of HCG in the blood could also be a sign of one of several cancers. This would include placental, ovarian, and testicular cancer.
The HCG Diet
Aside from boosting testosterone and fertility, HCG injections have also been used to supplement the HCG diet.
The HCG diet involves the intake of 500 calories per day and HCG injections. The diet aims to boost the metabolism and help those who follow it to lose up to two pounds per day—without going hungry.
The very low-fat and low-calorie diet has three phases:
- The Loading Phase: Eating high-fat and high-calorie foods for the first two days while taking HCG injections or supplements
- The Weight-Loss Phase: Eat only 500 calories per day while taking injections or supplements for up to six weeks
- The Maintenance Phase: Stop taking HCG and gradually increase your good intake—avoiding any sugar or starch
During the second phase, you’re only allowed to eat two meals each day. It’s suggested that your meals consist of a lean protein, vegetables, a piece of bread and a piece of fruit. It’s also encouraged that you drink a lot of water.
How to Inject HCG Properly
Whether you’re injecting HCG for weight loss or to boost your fertility, it’s going to take a little training and a good amount of preparation. Typically if you are prescribed HCG by a doctor, they’ll walk you through the process so that you know what to do.
If you aren’t under the guidance of a medical professional, you can read and follow these steps carefully to learn how to inject HCG properly.
Step 1: Preparation
First thing’s first—make sure you have all the right supplies view here.
Once you have all the right supplies, make sure to read the directions before opening anything—the last thing you want to do is risk any contamination. You may also have to mix separate ingredients before injecting, so you want to follow those directions thoroughly.
Make sure your hands are clean. Using an alcohol wipe, clean all the vials (there should be one with water and another with a powder). You’ll have to remove any plastic caps first so you can thoroughly sanitize anything that will have contact with the product and your skin.
The syringe should already have the needle attached to it. Upon opening the syringe packaging, DO NOT remove the plastic cap from the needle until you are ready to mix the medication.
Step 2: Mixing the Medication
Once you are ready to mix, be sure not to touch the needle. If you do, you’ll have to discard it and open another syringe.
When you’re ready, pull the plunger on the syringe back to about 1 cc or 1 ml level. Keeping the plunger at this level, go ahead and insert the needle into the vial of water. Push the plunger back in to allow air into the vial (this will make it easier to withdraw the water).
Now turn the vial upside down with the tip on the needle still inside. Go ahead and withdraw the appropriate amount of the water. Again, make sure you have read the instructions thoroughly.
After you’ve withdrawn your water, you can inject the fluid into the powder vial. Be careful not to let the needle touch anything other than the rubber stopper. Now plunge the water into the powder vial to create the mixture. Discard the needle and syringe.
Step 3: Administration
In accordance to your instructions, select an area for your injection site. Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and let dry.
Intramuscular injections are usually administered via the buttocks. It’s recommended that you divide each cheek of the buttocks into fours and administer the shots in a different quadrant each time. Some are also administered at the top of the thigh.
Now make sure that the medicine has mixed in the vial—DO NOT shake the vial. If necessary, rouse the vial gently. Swab the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe once more.
Unwrap a new syringe and insert the needle into the vial. Turn the bottle upside down and withdraw the required amount of the medication. Give the syringe a light flick or two to remove any air bubbles.
Now use your forefinger and thumb to grasp the skin around the injection site. In of swift motion (like throwing a dart), push the needle all the way into the skin. Before injecting, you’ll want to pull back the plunger slightly to check for blood.
Blood in the syringe indications that you’ve hit a blood vessel. If this is the case then you’ll have to remove the needle, discard the syringe and start over from the beginning. DO NOT reinject the same needle.
If there’s no blood, go ahead and let go of the skin to push the plunger down. Once all the medicine is injected you can remove the needle and dispose of the syringe properly.
Check-in with Your Doctor
Whether you decide to try the HCG diet or think you may need a hormone boost to help with your fertility, it’s always recommended that you speak with your doctor first.
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