How to Give HCG Injections
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), a medication generally given via injection, is used primarily to treat infertility problems. The injection may help trigger a ripe egg to release from an ovary. It may also help men boost sperm production. To administer an HCG injection you will need to follow instructions carefully to avoid possible nerve damage and make sure the medication has penetrated the skin.
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Instructions
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Your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider usually give this injection, but you may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. But do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and other equipment. Make sure you have all items you will need at hand before you begin. In addition to the medication, a needle of the proper gauge and rubbing alcohol, you'll also want to have ice at hand to help reduce any pain that may occur once the medication has been dispensed.
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Clean your hands thoroughly. Scrub your fingernails with soap and water. Clean and disinfect any surface where you will be placing the needle, such as a tabletop.
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Take the cap off the needle. Wipe the end with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol to help sterilize it. Hand the person receiving the injection a piece of ice. Have them rub the ice over the area to make it numb and reduce the possibility of pain.
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Insert the needle into a medication vial containing the correct amount of HCG, 5,000 or 10,000 units typically.
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Pull back the plunger of the needle. Take a close look at the side of the apparatus to make sure it has filled with the proper dose of medication.
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Gently tap the needle several times. Tapping will get rid of any air bubbles in the needle. A small drop of medication should be visible on the end of the needle.
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Hold the needle with one hand. With the other gather some skin from the hip area together, and insert the needle so you no longer see the tip.
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Pull back the plunger slightly to check for blood, and pull it back if any blood is visible. You may have accidentally inserted the needle into a blood vessel. If any blood is visible, discontinue the process, and start again with a fresh needle.
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Quickly plunge the medication into the fleshy area at a 90-degree angle. Massage the area gently for 30 seconds to make sure that all medication is evenly distributed. Dispose of the needle in an appropriate container.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have never used a needle before consider requesting a prescription that allows you to buy a few needles. Practice the injection technique on an orange.
