In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical process that assists individuals in achieving pregnancy. An IVF cycle involves hormone-based medications, often administered through injections. These injections regulate the reproductive cycle, stimulate egg production, and prepare the uterus for embryo implantation.
Types of IVF Injections
Throughout an IVF cycle, different medications serve distinct functions. Some injections stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, increasing the chances of successful fertilization. These often contain hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Other medications prevent premature ovulation, ensuring eggs remain in follicles until retrieval. A “trigger shot” induces final egg maturation and release for collection. Following egg retrieval, progesterone injections support the uterine lining, preparing it for embryo implantation. The specific medication type often dictates its administration method.
Primary Injection Locations
IVF medications are administered using two primary methods: subcutaneous or intramuscular.
Subcutaneous Injections
Subcutaneous injections deliver medication into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. This method is commonly used for many IVF medications, such as those for ovarian stimulation (e.g., Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur) and to prevent early ovulation (e.g., Cetrotide, Lupron). Common sites include the lower abdomen (one to two inches from the navel) and the front or outer part of the upper thigh. These areas are chosen for accessibility, fatty tissue, easier self-administration, and gradual medication absorption.
Intramuscular Injections
Intramuscular injections deliver medication deeper into the muscle tissue. This method is primarily used for medications requiring faster or more complete absorption, such as progesterone in oil (PIO) and certain human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger shots. The upper outer quadrant of the buttock is the most common site, as it has fewer nerves and blood vessels, helping to minimize discomfort. The vastus lateralis muscle on the outer part of the upper thigh can also be used, though it may be less comfortable for some individuals. Due to longer, thicker needles, intramuscular injections often require assistance from a partner or healthcare professional.
Administering Your IVF Injections
Administering IVF injections requires careful preparation. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Gather all necessary supplies: medication, needles, syringes, alcohol swabs, and a sharps container, setting them on a clean, flat surface. If medication requires mixing or drawing from a vial, follow your clinic’s specific instructions.
Before injecting, ensure there are no air bubbles in the syringe. Hold it upright, gently flick to move bubbles to the top, then slowly push the plunger until a small drop of medication appears at the needle tip. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab, moving in a circular motion from the center outward, and allow it to air dry completely.
For subcutaneous injections, gently pinch a one to two-inch skin fold; for intramuscular, stretch the skin taut. Insert the needle quickly at the recommended angle (typically 90 degrees, or 45 degrees for subcutaneous if less fatty tissue). Inject slowly, then withdraw the needle and immediately dispose of it in a sharps container. Rotate injection sites daily to minimize soreness or bruising.
Post-Injection Care and Disposal
After administering the injection, apply gentle pressure to the site with a clean gauze pad for several seconds to prevent bleeding. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can cause irritation or affect medication absorption. Some discomfort, bruising, or redness at the injection site is common. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the area before and after subcutaneous injections can help reduce discomfort and potential bruising. For intramuscular injections, applying heat beforehand can help relax the muscle, and massaging the area afterward may reduce soreness.
Proper disposal of used needles and syringes is crucial for safety. Always place them immediately into a designated sharps container, which is a puncture-resistant container designed for safe disposal. Do not attempt to recap, bend, or break used needles.
Once the container is about three-quarters full, seal and dispose of it according to local guidelines. Many fertility clinics or local pharmacies offer programs for safe sharps disposal. Contact your fertility team promptly if you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, spreading rash, or any signs of infection at the injection site.