How the F do I make progesterone shots less painful?
Progesterone in oil is used in the later stages of IVF when you are prepping for an embryo transfer. It is used as luteal support to thicken your uterine lining and protect the embryo until the placenta takes over.
If you’ve done IVF, you’re probably familiar with progesterone in oil injections. They’re a literal pain in the ass. The needle is bigger and thicker than those in your stim, the oil is viscous and slow to inject, and you need to administer the shots into the buttocks - OUCH!
Luckily there are some tips to help reduce the discomfort:
Ensure you are choosing the right site 💉 Progesterone injections should be administered intramuscularly in the dorsogluteal region (upper outer buttock). If you are self injecting without support, this can be a difficult spot to reach. Your healthcare provider may suggest the vastus lateralis (thigh) as an alternative. Either way, they should provide you with basic training and site mapping prior to starting your injections.
Relax the muscle 🦵 If you are standing for administration, ensure your weight is on the leg not being injected. This will ensure your muscle is relaxed and there will be less resistance when injecting. If lying down, try not to clench your bum cheeks. It’s hard not to be tense when you’re about to be poked with a significant needle but try take a deep breath and relax.
Use Ice prior to administration 🧊Before administering the injection, apply an ice pack or ice cubes to the injection site for a few minutes. This can help to relax the muscles and numb the area, making the injection less painful.
Apply heat Afterwards 🔥 After the injection, apply a heating pad to the injection site. Heat will thin the oil and help your muscle to absorb it.
Massage the Injection Site 💆Gently massaging the injection site after the injection can help disperse the medication and reduce any discomfort.
Don’t forget to move 🏃Gentle movement such as walking directly after administration can help the oil disperse.
Rotate Injection Sites: Rotating injection sites can help prevent a buildup of scar tissue and reduce the likelihood of soreness at any one site. Alternate bum cheeks with each administration.
Take an antihistamine 💊 Redness and a small bump at the site can be normal. Remember you are injecting an oil that is viscous and it will take time to disperse. If you are having mild discomfort such as redness or itching, it is safe to take Benadryl in pregnancy if needed. Swelling, increasing redness, or a site that is hot to touch is not normal and may be a sign of a reaction the carrier oil. Did you know that progesterone in oil is available in various carriers such as cottonseed, sesame or ethyl oleate? If you’re having a reaction to one, your Doctor or nurse may suggest switching to another. Always check with your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects that seem significant.
Questions? Feel free to drop me a message.
