Progesterone in oil (PIO) is a medication used in reproductive medicine. It is a form of the naturally occurring hormone progesterone, which plays a significant role in preparing and maintaining pregnancy, particularly during fertility treatments.
Understanding Progesterone in Oil
Progesterone is a hormone produced naturally in the body after ovulation. It thickens the uterine lining (endometrium) to create a suitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. It also helps prevent uterine contractions that could interfere with implantation or early pregnancy.
PIO is prescribed when the body may not produce sufficient levels of this hormone, such as during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles or in cases of recurrent miscarriage. The oil base, often sesame or olive oil, allows for a slow and sustained release of progesterone into the bloodstream after intramuscular injection. This sustained release effectively supplements progesterone levels.
Typical Dosages and Administration
Typical dosages for progesterone in oil vary, but a common range for fertility treatment is 50 mg (1 mL of oil) injected once daily. The dose can range from 25 mg to 100 mg per day. The exact amount is individualized and determined by a healthcare provider based on the specific medical indication and the patient’s response.
The medication is administered as a deep intramuscular injection, usually in the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks. Alternate injection sites daily to minimize discomfort and prevent localized reactions. A longer needle, typically 1 to 1.5 inches, is often recommended for proper intramuscular delivery.
After cleaning the injection site with an alcohol swab and allowing it to dry, the needle is inserted with a quick, dart-like motion, and the medication is injected slowly and steadily. PIO injections are typically started after ovulation or around the time of embryo transfer and often continue for the first 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy, until the placenta can produce enough progesterone on its own.
Important Considerations
Patients using progesterone in oil should be aware of potential side effects, with injection site reactions being the most common. These can include pain, bruising, redness, swelling, or the formation of small lumps or knots under the skin at the injection site. Other mild systemic effects may include fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, or mood changes.
Contact a doctor if more serious symptoms arise, such as breakthrough bleeding, severe pain, allergic reactions (swelling, itching, tingling in the mouth), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or signs of blood clots like pain in the calves or chest.
Proper storage of progesterone in oil is important; it should be kept at room temperature, typically between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius), and should not be refrigerated, as the oil can become thicker and harder to inject.
To manage injection site discomfort, warming the vial by rolling it between the hands before drawing the dose can help thin the oil, and gently massaging the injection area after administration can help with absorption and prevent knots. Patients must adhere to the prescribed schedule and dosage, never self-adjusting their medication without consulting their healthcare provider.