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How to Administer HCG?

There are two options to administer HCG, the first option is to inject subcutaneously (under the skin) and the second is an intermuscular injection. 


How to inject HCG subcutaneously?

Step 1

Gather all the supplies you need:
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  • Alcohol wipes
  • Gauze
  • Liquid HCG
  • Needle (Ideally a short 30G needle) and syringe 1ml or 2.5ml
  • Sharps container
Step 2

Wash your hands well with soap and warm water, getting the back of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your fingernails.

Dry your hands with a clean towel, and then wipe down your chosen injection site with a sterile alcohol wipe and allow it to dry before injecting HCG.

Step 3

Place the needle and syringe into the vial and pull the syringe back making sure the syringe you are using is full to the required measurement and doesn’t have any air on top when you hold the needle upright. Clear air and bubbles by pushing the plunger down just enough to clear them out.

Step 4

Hold a 1- to 2 inch fold of skin gently with one hand so that the skin and fat beneath are between your fingers.

Bring the filled needle to your skin at a straight, 90-degree angle, and stick the needle into your skin, just deep enough to enter the subcutaneous layer of fat above your muscle. 

Step 5

Slowly press the plunger, emptying the needle into this layer of fat. Keep the needle in place for 10 seconds after you have pushed in the HCG, and then keep holding your skin as you gently pull the needle out.

Step 6

As you pull the needle out, release your pinched skin. Do not rub or touch the injection site. If it begins to bleed, press the area lightly with clean gauze and then remove.

Step 7

Dispose of your needle and syringe in your secure sharps container.
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How to inject HCG intramuscularly

Follow the steps above, but instead of pinching a fold of skin, stretch the skin over your injection site with a few fingers of one hand as you push the needle into your muscle. Continue holding your skin until you pull the needle out and place it into your sharps bin. 

​For more information on intermuscular injections please click here.

You may have a little more bleeding, but this is completely OK. Just dab the site with some gauze, or gently hold the gauze there until the bleeding stops.

Helpful tips

Pay special attention to the directions on the packet and any extra instructions your doctor gives you. Each time you give yourself a shot, thoroughly wash your hands and pick out a clean syringe to use.

Here are some tips to make your injections more comfortable:
  • Don’t inject the roots of body hair, or wounded or bruised areas.
  • Make sure your skin is completely clean and dry before you perform your injection. Allow the alcohol to dry off your skin to reduce stinging.
  • Relax the muscles around the area of your body you are about to inject.
  • Rotate your injection sites to avoid bruising, pain, and scarring — for example, one butt cheek one day, the other butt cheek the next. You can ask your doctor for a chart to track the injection sites you have used.
  • Take your HCG or sterile water out of the refrigerator 15 minutes beforehand so it hits room temperature before you inject it.
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Disposing of needles

Step 1

Put your needles and syringes in your sharps bin immediately after you have used them. This reduces the risks to you and others of accidentally being pricked, cut, or punctured. Keep your sharps bin away from children and pets and avoid overfilling your sharps bin. 

Step 2

How and where you dispose your sharps bin depends on where you live. Check with your local health services or local council.