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Medical Video: Nutritional Advice : How Do I Improve HCG Levels?
Definition
What is human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)?
The human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test is performed to check the hormone hCG in the blood or urine. Some hCG tests measure the exact amount and some just check to see if there is this hormone. hCG is made by the placenta during pregnancy. The hCG test can be used to detect pregnancy or as part of a pregnancy abnormality test.
hCG may also be produced abnormally if there are certain tumors, especially those that come from egg cells or sperm (germ cell tumors). HCG levels are often tested in women who may experience abnormal growth of tissue in the uterus, molar pregnancy, or uterine cancer (choriocarcinoma) than a normal pregnancy. Some hCG tests may be done after a miscarriage to make sure the molar pregnancy does not occur. In men, hCG levels may be measured to help see if he has testicular cancer.
hCG in pregnancy
The egg is normally fertilized by sperm cells in the fallopian tube. Within 9 days after pregnancy, the egg moves from the fallopian tube to the uterus and attaches to the uterine wall. Once the egg is attached, the developing placenta starts releasing hCG into the blood. Some hCG also enters the urine. hCG can be found in the blood before the menstrual period is missed for the first time, approximately 6 days after implantation.
hCG helps maintain pregnancy and affects the development of the baby (fetus). The level of hCG increases dramatically in the first 14 or 16 weeks after the last menstrual period (LMP), peaks around 14 weeks following the LMP, and then decreases slowly. The amount of hCG that increases early in pregnancy can provide information about pregnancy and baby's health. Immediately after giving birth, hCG can no longer be found in the blood.
More hCG is released in multiple pregnancies, such as twins or three, than in a single pregnancy. Less hCG is released if the fertilized egg attaches to a place other than the uterus, for example in the fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy.
When should I take human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)?
The hCG test is carried out for:
- see if you are pregnant
- find an ectopic pregnancy
- find and check the treatment of molar pregnancy
- see if there are opportunities for birth abnormalities such as Down syndrome that are increasing. The test is used in combination with other tests
- find and examine cancer treatments that develop from egg or sperm cells (germ cell cancer), such as ovarian or testicular cancer. In such cases, alpha-fetoprotein tests may be carried out in conjunction with the hCG test
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)?
The hCG blood test is generally more accurate than a urine test. If you are suspected of being pregnant even after the urine test results do not show a pregnancy (negative results), a blood test can be done, or another urine test must be repeated within a week. The hCG results may remain high (positive) until 4 weeks after a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) or therapeutic abortion.
Normal hCG values do not eliminate the possibility of a tumor in the uterus, ovary or testis. hCG is only one part of the overall assessment if a tumor is suspected. HCG levels in the blood are often used in maternal triple or quad serum tests.
Process
What should I do before undergoing human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)?
If a blood sample is collected, you do not need to do anything before undergoing this test. If a urine test is performed, the first urine on that day is usually the best to use because it has the highest hCG level. A urine sample collected at least 4 hours after the last urination will also have high levels of hCG.
What is the process of human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)?
hCG may be measured in a blood or urine sample.
Collection of blood samples
The doctor will clean a small area in the arm or elbow with an antiseptic cloth or alcohol pad. In some cases, your doctor will tie an elastic belt around your upper arm to increase blood flow. This makes collecting blood from the arteries much easier.
Your arm will then be pierced with a needle inserted into the artery. The pipe will collect blood on the other end of the needle.
Once blood is taken, the doctor will take a needle and then use a cotton cloth and bandage to stop the bleeding on the needle-pierced skin.
Urine collection
If possible, collect samples from the first urine on that day (this urine generally has the highest hCG level). A urine sample collected at least 4 hours after the last urination will also have the highest hCG level. Place the container in the urine stream, and collect about 4 Tbsp (60 ml) of urine.
Do not let the end of the container touch the genital area, and do not allow toilet paper, pubic hair, dirt, blood or other foreign substances in the urine sample. Complete urination into the toilet or urinal.
Place the container cap carefully, and return it to the laboratory. If you collect urine in the house and cannot return it to the lab in an hour, store it in the refrigerator.
What should I do after undergoing human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg)?
You will be notified when you can get the test results. The doctor will explain the meaning of the test results. You must follow the doctor's instructions.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal
The normal score on this list (called 'range reference') only serves as a guide. This range varies from one laboratory to another, and your laboratory may have a different normal score. Your laboratory report will usually contain what range they use. Your doctor will also check your test results based on your health condition and other factors. This means that if your test results enter an abnormal range in this guide, it could be in your laboratory or for your condition the score is in the normal range.
HCG levels in the blood
Men and non-pregnant women: less than 5 international units per liter (IU / l).
Pregnant women, a week after pregnancy (around 3 weeks of the last menstrual period): 5-50 IU / l.
Pregnant women, 2 weeks after pregnancy (about 4 weeks last menstrual period): 50-500 IU / l.
Pregnant women, 3 weeks after pregnancy (around the last 5 weeks of menstrual period): 100-10000 IU / l.
Pregnant women, 4 weeks after pregnancy (around 6 weeks of the last menstrual period): 1080-30000 IU / l.
Pregnant woman, 6-8 weeks after pregnancy (around 8-10 weeks last menstrual period): 350-115000 IU / l.
Pregnant women, 12 weeks after pregnancy (around 14 weeks last menstrual period): 12000-270000 IU / l.
Pregnant women, 13-16 weeks after pregnancy (around 15-18 weeks last menstrual period): up to 200000 IU / l.
HCG level in urine
Man: no (negative test)
Non-pregnant women: none (negative test)
Pregnant woman: detected (positive test)
High value
If you are pregnant, very high levels of hCG can mean multiple pregnancies (such as twins or three), molar pregnancy, Down syndrome, or your pregnancy is older than expected.
In men or women who are not pregnant, the level of hCG means that it can mean tumors (cancer or non-cancerous) that develop from sperm or egg cells (germ cell tumors), such as testicular or ovarian tumors), appear. This may also mean several types of cancer, such as cancer of the stomach, pancreas, large intestine, liver, or lungs.
Low value
If you are pregnant, low hCG levels can mean an ectopic pregnancy, infant death, or your gestational age turns out to be younger than expected.
If you are pregnant, an abnormally reduced level of hCG can mean that you are likely to have a miscarriage (spontaneous abortion).
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
