Fertigyn (Pregnyl)

What is Fertigyn (Pregnyl) by Sun Pharmaceuticals?

Fertigyn (Pregnyl) is a human chorionic gonadotropin preparation from Sun Pharmaceuticals. The name in brackets refers to Pregnyl, one of the best-known HCG brands, to show which kind of medicine this is. The package is a single vial containing 5000 IU of HCG.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is the pregnancy hormone that home tests detect. It consists of two protein chains, and its alpha chain is identical to that of LH, FSH and TSH, while the beta chain gives it its specific action. Because it fits the LH receptor, the body treats injected HCG much like a strong, long-lasting dose of its own LH. In men, the result is stimulation of the Leydig cells and higher production of testosterone directly in the testes.

Why is HCG used?

Medical uses of HCG include:

• triggering ovulation in women undergoing fertility treatment;
• supporting the luteal phase after ovulation;
• treating men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, whose pituitary produces too little LH;
• treating some boys with undescended testicles.

The athletic use follows from the same mechanism. During a steroid cycle, high hormone levels suppress the release of LH, and without LH the testes slowly shrink and stop working. Fertigyn (Pregnyl) replaces the missing signal. Small regular doses during a long cycle keep the testes responsive, which can make the recovery after the cycle quicker and smoother. Men on testosterone replacement therapy also use HCG to keep testicular volume and fertility.

Dosage and preparation

HCG is supplied as a dry powder and must be mixed with sterile water before use, by letting the liquid run gently down the side of the vial rather than shaking it. Injections are given subcutaneously with an insulin syringe or intramuscularly. On-cycle doses reported most often are 250 to 500 IU two or three times per week, which means a 5000 IU vial lasts for roughly ten to twenty injections. In clinical practice, ovulation is usually triggered with 5000 to 10000 IU at once, while male hypogonadism needs repeated injections over months. The mixed solution has to be stored in the refrigerator and used within the time given in the leaflet.

These numbers reflect common practice, not a personal plan; the amount and the duration must be agreed with a qualified medical professional, with blood tests for testosterone and estradiol.

Possible side effects

Pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue and changes in mood are the most common reactions. As testosterone rises, more of it converts to estradiol, which can cause water retention and tender nipples or gynecomastia; for this reason, HCG is often combined with an aromatase inhibitor. Very high doses can make the Leydig cells less sensitive. In women, ovarian hyperstimulation is the most important risk. HCG is contraindicated in prostate or breast cancer in men, in pituitary tumors and in precocious puberty, and it is banned in sport for male athletes.

Package

The package contains one 5000 IU vial of HCG produced by Sun Pharmaceuticals. It can be ordered on MaxLabs.co; other HCG products are listed for comparison.