Hcg Injections for Male Infertility
In a relatively small number
of cases of male infertility, the failure to produce an adequate quality of
sperm relates to reduced secretion by the pituitary gland of those hormones
necessary to stimulate sperm production. The pituitary gland in the man
produces two important hormones-identical to those produced by women-that
control testicular function. The first is follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
and the second is luteinizing hormone (LH). Luteinizing hormone’s predominant
function is to act on a particular variety of cells in the testicles that
produces the male hormone testosterone.
These cells are referred to
as Leydig cells. A sustained reduction in FSH production, therefore, is capable
of resulting in male infertility. Usually, if there is a reduction in either
one of the components, LH or FSH, the other one will also be low. In other
words, if a man produces a normal amount of LH and has normal male hormone
levels (testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone), then it is very
unlikely that he will have a reduced FSH production. Accordingly, if his sperm
function is reduced, it is unlikely to be the result of reduced FSH production
by the pituitary gland.
The woman’s cycle usually
lasts about 28 days, and under normal circumstances, results in the release of
one egg per menstrual cycle. In the man, there exists a continuous production
of sperm. In fact, the entire cycle, from initiation to the production of a
mature sperm that is capable of fertilizing an egg, takes approximately 100
days. Accordingly, any treatment administered to the man in order to improve
sperm production can only be properly assessed after waiting for a period of
approximately 100 days. In men, the pituitary gland releases FSH and LH daily
in order to meet this need; this is in contrast to the day to day variation
that controls the menstrual cycle.
Treat Infertility With HCG Injections
The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a natural hormone and mimics the effects of LH. In men
the HCG is administered in order to stimulate the production of testosterone.
Administration of these drugs is usually carried out 3 times per week, for a
period of about 100 days before optimal response can be determined. The
treatment is, again, relatively harmless and minimal side effects. Like
clomiphene, the benefits will be lost when the medications are stopped as would
any side effects.
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