Progesterone injections are a form of hormone therapy to support reproductive health. These injections deliver a precise dose of progesterone, a natural hormone, which plays a significant role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy and maintaining early gestation. Individuals or their caregivers typically administer these injections at home, following detailed instructions from their healthcare provider.
Preparing for Your Progesterone Injection
Before proceeding with the injection, gather all necessary supplies. Supplies include the progesterone vial, a sterile syringe, a larger gauge needle for drawing, and a smaller gauge needle for injection. Also have alcohol swabs, a sharps disposal container, gauze or a band-aid. Some individuals may find it helpful to wear gloves.
Begin by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. After washing, inspect the progesterone vial to confirm correct medication and its expiration. The solution should appear clear and free of particles; if cloudy or discolored, do not use; consult your pharmacist or doctor. If the progesterone oil is thick, gently warm the vial by rolling it between your hands to ease drawing.
Next, draw the prescribed amount of progesterone into the syringe using the larger gauge needle. Carefully push the plunger to remove any air bubbles, ensuring only liquid remains. Then, replace the drawing needle with the smaller injection needle. This ensures accurate dosing and smoother injection.
Selecting the appropriate injection site is important for absorption and comfort. Common sites for intramuscular progesterone injections include the upper outer buttock, ventrogluteal area (hip), or thigh. Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent tissue damage, scarring, or painful lumps. To locate the upper outer buttock, imagine drawing a line from the top of the hip bone straight down and another line across the buttock; the injection goes into the top outer section. Before injecting, cleanse the chosen site with an alcohol swab, allowing it to air dry.
Administering the Progesterone Injection
Once preparation is complete and the injection site is clean, administer the medication. Hold the syringe in your dominant hand. With your non-dominant hand, gently spread the skin at the injection site taut or pinch a large area of muscle, as instructed. This stabilizes the tissue and makes needle insertion smoother.
Insert the needle swiftly and firmly into the prepared site at a 90-degree angle. This angle ensures the medication reaches the muscle tissue. Ensure the needle is fully inserted. You may be advised to aspirate by gently pulling back on the syringe plunger for a few seconds. If blood appears, withdraw the needle, discard the syringe, and prepare a new dose for a different site.
If no blood is present upon aspiration, slowly and steadily depress the plunger to inject the medication. Administering the medication gradually over 10 to 15 seconds reduces discomfort and allows the muscle to accommodate the oil-based solution. Once injected, wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle to allow the medication to disperse.
After the injection, swiftly withdraw the needle. Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a clean gauze pad. If recommended, a gentle massage around the injection site can aid dispersion and reduce soreness; avoid if it causes increased pain. Apply a band-aid if needed. Dispose of the used syringe and needle into a designated sharps disposal container to prevent accidental needle sticks.
Understanding Side Effects and When to Call Your Doctor
Local reactions at the injection site are common. These can include soreness, bruising, redness, or itching, which are mild and resolve within a day or two. Small, firm lumps or nodules may also form where the injection was given. Applying a warm compress or gently massaging the site (if not too painful) can help alleviate these symptoms.
Beyond local reactions, systemic side effects may occur due to progesterone’s hormonal effects. These can include fatigue, mood changes (irritability or mild depression), and breast tenderness. These effects are temporary and diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Track side effects and discuss them with your healthcare provider during follow-up appointments.
While most side effects are mild, be aware of warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention. Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you experience severe, persistent injection site pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection (increased warmth, spreading redness, swelling, or pus). Other concerning symptoms include fever, severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat). Any sudden or severe changes in your overall health should prompt a call to your healthcare provider.