HCG Calculator
Also known as: Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Pregnyl, Novarel, Profasi, Ovidrel, Ovitrelle, Choriogonadotropin alfa
What is HCG?
HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is a glycoprotein hormone naturally produced by the placenta during pregnancy and structurally similar to luteinizing hormone (LH). Pharmaceutically it is prepared either from purified pregnancy urine (urinary HCG — Pregnyl, Novarel) or by recombinant DNA technology (Ovidrel / Ovitrelle, choriogonadotropin alfa). It is FDA-approved for ovulation induction in female infertility, selected indications in male hypogonadism, and in cryptorchidism (undescended testicle) in pre-pubertal male children. Off-label, low-dose HCG is sometimes used in male testosterone-replacement protocols to support endogenous testicular function. HCG is dosed exclusively in International Units — its biological activity, not its mass, defines a clinical dose. Vials are supplied as 5,000 IU or 10,000 IU lyophilized powder for reconstitution with bacteriostatic water before subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
| 5000 IU | lyophilized powder |
| 10000 IU | lyophilized powder |
| 250 IU | ≈ 25 U-100 units (at 5000IU / 5mL) |
| 500 IU | ≈ 50 U-100 units (at 5000IU / 5mL) |
| 1000 IU | ≈ 100 U-100 units (at 5000IU / 5mL) |
| 1500 IU | ≈ 150 U-100 units (at 5000IU / 5mL) |
| 2000 IU | ≈ 200 U-100 units (at 5000IU / 5mL) |
| 5000 IU | ≈ 500 U-100 units (at 5000IU / 5mL) |
| 10000 IU | ≈ 1000 U-100 units (at 5000IU / 5mL) |
How it's typically prepared
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water slowly along the inner wall of the vial and swirl gently. A 5,000 IU vial in 5 mL of BAC water yields a 1,000 IU/mL concentration — a 250 IU dose then draws to 25 units on a U-100 insulin syringe. Refrigerated reconstituted HCG is generally considered viable for around 30 days, but always follow the in-use period printed on your specific vial.
Frequently asked questions
- How many U-100 units is 250 IU of HCG?
- On a U-100 insulin syringe with a 5,000 IU vial reconstituted in 5 mL of BAC water (1,000 IU/mL concentration), 250 IU equals 0.25 mL or 25 units. Adjust if your vial size or BAC water volume differs.
- Can HCG be given subcutaneously instead of intramuscularly?
- Some prescribing labels and clinical protocols specify intramuscular injection; others permit subcutaneous administration. Subcutaneous use is common in male hypogonadism protocols. Refer to your specific brand's prescribing information.
- How long does a reconstituted HCG vial last?
- Refrigerated reconstituted HCG is generally considered viable for approximately 30 days, though label periods vary by manufacturer. Always follow the in-use period printed on your specific vial.
- Why is HCG dosed in IU and not in mg?
- HCG is a glycoprotein whose pharmacological activity does not map cleanly to mass. Like insulin, its potency is defined by an International Standard biological-activity assay rather than by milligram weight, so IU is the only clinically meaningful unit.
- What is the difference between urinary HCG and recombinant HCG?
- Urinary HCG (Pregnyl, Novarel) is purified from human pregnancy urine. Recombinant HCG (Ovidrel / Ovitrelle, choriogonadotropin alfa) is produced in a Chinese hamster ovary cell line. The two are pharmacologically similar but differ in glycosylation pattern and production source.
Other Sexual peptides
PeptideDose is an educational reference. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Doses shown in presets are derived from published protocols and product labels — they are not personal recommendations.