PMID-30159241 – HCG Indications for Infertility in Hypogonadal Men
Lee JA, Ramasamy R. Indications for the use of human chorionic gonadotropic hormone for the management of infertility in hypogonadal men. Transl Androl Urol. 2018;7(Suppl 3):S348-S352.
Quick Reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PMID | 30159241 |
| DOI | 10.21037/tau.2018.04.11 |
| Year | 2018 |
| Journal | Translational Andrology and Urology |
| Study Type | Narrative Review |
| Evidence Level | V |
| Sample | N/A (review) |
| Peptide(s) Studied | HCG |
Key Findings
- HCG mimics LH activity and directly stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone
- HCG maintains intratesticular testosterone (ITT) necessary for spermatogenesis
- Recommended dosing for fertility preservation during TRT: 500-3000 IU 2-3x/week
- HCG monotherapy can restore testosterone levels in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
- HCG + FSH combination is the gold standard for fertility induction in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
- Approximately 12-15% of infertile men have identifiable endocrine disorders
- HCG is FDA-approved for male hypogonadism and cryptorchidism
Study Design
Narrative review summarizing the evidence for HCG use in managing infertility in hypogonadal men. Covers indications, dosing protocols, combination therapies, and clinical outcomes.
Limitations
- Review article; no original data
- Limited discussion of long-term safety data
- Focus on male infertility context; does not cover female indications
Clinical Relevance
Provides a practical clinical framework for using HCG in male hypogonadism with fertility considerations. The review consolidates dosing recommendations (500-3000 IU 2-3x/week) that are now standard in clinical practice. Important reference for practitioners managing men on TRT who wish to preserve fertility.
Related
#research #narrative-review #HCG #evidence-level-V