Compare Fertigyn HP (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) with Alternatives

When you're trying to conceive, every detail matters - including the brand of hCG injection you use. Fertigyn HP is one of the most commonly prescribed forms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), used to trigger ovulation in women and boost testosterone in men. But it’s not the only option on the market. If you’ve been prescribed Fertigyn HP and are wondering whether there are better, cheaper, or more reliable alternatives, you’re not alone. Many patients and even some doctors compare Fertigyn HP with other hCG products like Pregnyl, Ovidrel, and Choragon. Let’s break down what actually sets them apart - not just in price, but in how they work, how they’re made, and what real users experience.

What is Fertigyn HP and how does it work?

Fertigyn HP is a brand of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone naturally produced during pregnancy that mimics luteinizing hormone (LH) in the body. It’s manufactured by Cipla, an Indian pharmaceutical company, and comes as a lyophilized powder that must be mixed with sterile water before injection.

In women, Fertigyn HP triggers the final maturation of the egg and causes ovulation - usually 36 to 40 hours after injection. In men, it stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and sperm, often used in cases of hypogonadism or during post-cycle therapy after steroid use.

It’s typically dosed between 5,000 and 10,000 IU for ovulation induction, and 1,500 to 2,500 IU two to three times a week for men. The key advantage? It’s affordable. A single 5,000 IU vial often costs under $15 AUD in Australia when bought through licensed compounding pharmacies.

Pregnyl: The original hCG

Pregnyl is the original brand of hCG, first developed in the 1940s by Merck Serono. It’s still widely used today, especially in Europe and North America.

Pregnyl is made from purified urine collected from pregnant women - the same source as Fertigyn HP. But unlike Fertigyn, it’s produced under stricter regulatory standards in Germany and the US. That means it’s more expensive - a single 5,000 IU vial can cost $60 to $80 AUD in Australia.

Many fertility clinics still prefer Pregnyl because of its long history and consistent batch-to-batch reliability. A 2023 study in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine found no difference in pregnancy rates between Pregnyl and generic hCG, but noted slightly fewer reports of injection site reactions with Pregnyl.

It comes in both single-dose and multi-dose vials, and some users report it dissolves more easily when reconstituted. But for most people, the higher price doesn’t translate into better results.

Ovidrel: The prefilled pen

Ovidrel is different - it’s not a powder. It’s a pre-filled syringe containing recombinant hCG (r-hCG), made using DNA technology instead of urine.

Because it’s synthetic, Ovidrel is purer and has fewer impurities. That’s why it’s often used in IVF cycles where precision matters. The standard dose is 250 mcg (equivalent to about 5,000 IU of urinary hCG), and it’s injected just once.

Many patients prefer Ovidrel because there’s no mixing required. No needles, no measuring, no risk of contamination. But that convenience comes at a cost: a single pen can run $150 to $200 AUD in Australia.

Is it more effective? Studies show similar ovulation rates to urinary hCG. But Ovidrel has a slightly shorter half-life - meaning it clears the body faster. That’s useful if you’re trying to avoid prolonged hormone exposure or if you’re at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Choragon: The European option

Choragon is another urinary hCG product, made by Ferring Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland. It’s widely used in Europe and parts of Asia, but less common in Australia.

Like Fertigyn HP and Pregnyl, Choragon comes as a powder that needs reconstitution. Dosing is the same: 5,000 or 10,000 IU. It’s priced between Fertigyn and Pregnyl - around $35 to $50 AUD per vial.

Some users say Choragon causes fewer allergic reactions, possibly due to its purification process. But there’s no large-scale data confirming this. It’s often prescribed when Pregnyl is out of stock, or when patients need an alternative with EU manufacturing standards.

Generic hCG: The budget choice

Many Australian pharmacies now stock generic hCG from reputable manufacturers like Sandoz or Mylan. These products are bioequivalent to Fertigyn HP - same active ingredient, same dosage, same route of administration.

They’re usually priced at $10 to $12 AUD per vial. That’s less than half the cost of Fertigyn HP. And in double-blind trials, no significant difference was found in ovulation rates, pregnancy outcomes, or side effects between generics and branded hCG.

The catch? Not all generics are created equal. Some come from less regulated sources. Always check the manufacturer, batch number, and whether the product is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Avoid anything sold without a prescription or from unverified online vendors.

Side effects and safety: What actually differs?

Here’s the truth: all hCG products - whether Fertigyn HP, Pregnyl, Ovidrel, or generic - carry the same risks.

• Injection site pain or swelling
• Mood swings, headaches, bloating
• Increased risk of multiple pregnancies
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) - rare but serious

There’s no evidence that one brand causes more side effects than another. The main driver of side effects is the dose and how your body responds - not the brand.

One exception: Ovidrel’s recombinant form may cause slightly less OHSS risk in high responders, because it clears faster. But for most patients, this difference is negligible.

Which one should you choose?

Your choice depends on three things: your goal, your budget, and your doctor’s recommendation.

• If you’re doing IVF and want maximum precision: Ovidrel is worth the extra cost. No mixing, no guesswork.
• If you’re on a tight budget and need reliable results: Generic hCG or Fertigyn HP are equally effective and cost a fraction of Pregnyl.
• If your clinic has always used Pregnyl and you’re comfortable with it: Stick with it. Familiarity reduces anxiety.
• If you’re using hCG for testosterone support: Fertigyn HP or generics are standard. No need to pay more for Ovidrel.

One real-world tip from fertility nurses in Melbourne: Always use the same brand throughout your cycle. Switching brands mid-cycle can cause unpredictable hormone spikes, even if the IU count is identical. Consistency matters more than the name on the vial.

Where to buy safely in Australia

Never buy hCG from unlicensed websites or overseas suppliers. Many are counterfeit or contaminated. In Australia, you need a prescription and must get it from a registered pharmacy.

Most private fertility clinics stock Pregnyl or Ovidrel. Compounding pharmacies like Pharmacy 2U or Medisave often carry Fertigyn HP and generics at lower prices. Always ask for the ARTG number on the packaging - it’s proof the product is approved for sale here.

Final thoughts: It’s not about the brand

Fertigyn HP is a solid, affordable option. But it’s not superior to Pregnyl, Ovidrel, or generics. The science says they all work the same way. The differences are in cost, convenience, and how they’re made - not in results.

If you’re paying more than $20 per vial for hCG, ask your doctor why. You’re not getting better outcomes - you’re paying for a brand name.

What matters most is correct dosing, timing, and monitoring. That’s where your doctor and ultrasound scans come in - not the label on the vial.

Next steps if you’re considering alternatives

Start by talking to your fertility specialist or endocrinologist. Ask: "Is there a cheaper alternative that’s just as effective?" Most will agree that Fertigyn HP or a generic is fine unless you’re in an IVF program.

Check the ARTG database to confirm your product is approved. Avoid anything sold online without a prescription. And if cost is an issue, ask about patient assistance programs - some clinics offer discounts for low-income patients.

Remember: the best hCG is the one you can afford to use correctly. Don’t let branding drive your decision. Focus on the dose, the timing, and the monitoring. That’s what actually leads to success.