Stop stressing and start understanding your hCG levels with this must-read.
Understanding human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) testing is crucial for gaining insights into conditions like testicular cancer and reproductive issues. But what exactly is hCG and why screen for it in males?
This Ethos Spa guide examines how hCG tests work, normal ranges, accuracy factors, and how results influence diagnosis and treatment decisions for optimized male health.
What Is an hCG Test for Men?
An hCG test for men is a blood screening that measures levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, a hormone associated with certain testicular cancers, to help evaluate suspected tumors or fertility issues.
When present, elevated hCG indicates issues requiring further evaluation. Doctors may order blood hCG screenings when cancers like testicular tumors are suspected, as certain ones generate hCG. Specifically, tests measure:
- Intact hCG levels
- Beta subunit of the hCG hormone
Results outside normal parameters suggest pathology and warrant follow-up.
According to Dr. Soni, if the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) is positive in a man’s blood serum, it always signifies some form of cancerous pathology requiring further evaluation.
Unlike in pregnant women, healthy non-expecting men should have undetectable β-HCG levels. Any measurable presence indicates abnormal secretion from cancers known to produce β-HCG, like certain testicular malignancies.
Monitoring Applications
For testicular cancer monitoring, hCG assessments help:
- Detect recurrence after surgery
- Characterize tumor types, like non-seminomatous germ cells (NSGCTs)
Higher pre-treatment hCG levels may predict more aggressive NSGCT forms. Though useful, Dr. Soni advises hCG alone is insufficient for cancer surveillance due to moderate sensitivity. Additional markers like AFP and LDH provide complementary data for holistic evaluation over time.
Fertility and Hormone Function
Beyond cancer applications, some fertility specialists check male hCG levels paired with testosterone to assess testicular function. Deficiencies in hormone production can negatively impact sperm health.
What Are hCG Ranges for a Man?
Normal hCG ranges for men are considered less than 2 mIU/mL in blood. However, there is no universally defined “normal” range since hCG levels in healthy males are typically undetectable or extremely low.
Some studies suggest hCG levels below 20 IU/L may be normal for adult men. However, any detectable hCG could indicate potential issues requiring follow-up.
For testicular cancer screening specifically, tumor markers like AFP and beta-hCG are evaluated. Normal AFP is less than 40 mcg/L, while normal beta-hCG is under 5 mIU/mL.
Elevated levels of these markers, especially in combination, may prompt further examination to determine if testicular cancer is present. Tracking values over time provides the most diagnostic insight.
Can an hCG Blood Test Give False Results for Men?
Yes, hCG blood tests can occasionally yield false results in men due to conditions like testicular cancer, interactions with certain medications containing hCG, lab errors, and interfering antibodies that affect the assay and cause incorrect high or low hCG readings.
- Testicular cancers that elevate hCG may cause real or seemingly false positives if levels persist after treatment.
- Some medications contain hCG that can be detected, like specific anti-seizure drugs.
- Lab errors during processing and analysis can skew results.
- Heterophilic antibodies in the blood may sometimes interfere with the hCG assay and cause incorrect high or low readings.
To protect against misleading findings, our clinic advises men to share relevant medical history with the testing lab, verify medication effects, and ensure proper sample collection and handling protocols are followed.
Why Would a Male Take an hCG Test?
Doctors order hCG tests for males to screen for cancers like testicular tumors based on elevated levels, evaluate fertility and testicular function as part of reproductive health testing, or monitor hCG therapy response for conditions like hypogonadism or low testosterone.
- Evaluating potential testicular cancer or other hCG-secreting tumors based on elevated levels. Tracking hCG values helps diagnose these cancers and monitor treatment effectiveness over time.
- Assessing testicular function and fertility as part of a hormone panel. hCG stimulates testosterone and sperm production, which can improve with treatment guided by test results.
- Monitoring hCG therapy response and adjusting dosing if used to treat low testosterone or hypogonadism instead of direct testosterone replacement.
- Rarely, hCG levels may be checked as part of programs that use hCG for weight loss in men, often paired with very low-calorie dieting. However, research does not support hCG as an effective diet aid.
FAQs
Are men tested for hCG for cancer screening purposes?
No, hCG is not routinely tested in men for cancer screening. It may be tested if a man has symptoms or a lump suggesting testicular cancer.
Is hCG tested for men during a general health check-up?
No, hCG is not part of routine health check-ups or screening for men. It would only be tested if a doctor suspects testicular cancer based on symptoms.
What does a positive serum beta hCG mean for men?
A positive serum beta hCG in men indicates the likely presence of a testicular tumor, usually a nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. It would prompt further testing and evaluation to confirm and treat testicular cancer.
