What Is Pregnyl?

Pregnyl is a brand name for beta hCG — human chorionic gonadotropin — which is the human pregnancy hormone. Doctors use it to induce ovulation. This is the “trigger shot” that you probably hear people talk about.

Beta hCG comes with several different brand names, including Pregnyl and Ovidrel. A patient with  anovulation or  PCOS has trouble getting pregnant because her ovaries aren’t releasing eggs and may be given Pregnyl or another beta hCG to trigger ovulation.

For women who don’t ovulate on their own, first they may have ovulation induced by being given a low dose of a fertility medication, such as  clomiphene citrate (Clomid). Then Pregnyl may be given to finish the egg’s maturation and cause a release, so that it can be fertilized.

Doctors may also use Pregnyl to help with superovulation — this is usually for women with a biological-clock issue or who are undergoing IVF. The intent of superovulation is to release more than one egg in a month, usually about two to six.

Pregnyl is given by injection. Side effects include bloating and inflammation at the injection site.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Fertility Treatment Basics

Can I Reduce the Side Effects of Fertility Treatment Drugs?

Advances In Fertility Treatments — What’s Next?