How to Inject 4 Common Types of IVF Medications

There are many medications used throughout the stages of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Learning how to inject your medications can be intimidating, but with the right technique, it gets easier with time. How you inject IVF medications depends on the format.

Most fertility medications are either subcutaneous injections (just under the skin) or intramuscular injections (deeper into the muscle), according to Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx.

Preparing for Your Injections

For any injection, swab both your skin and the tops of vials with alcohol, and let them air dry. Don’t blow or fan them, since that can introduce bacteria. Rotating injection sites is also important to prevent irritation and discomfort.

Subcutaneous Injections

Subcutaneous medications are the most common. These may come in multi-dose pens, prefilled syringes, or vials that require mixing.

For these types of injections, applying an ice pack to the injection site beforehand can help numb the area and make the injection more comfortable.

Injection Pens

Usually, the pen is already prefilled with the medication. If not, it will come with a vial that you put into the pen itself. “They’re really user friendly,” says Woodcock.

The injection process for pens is straightforward: Dial your dose, attach a fresh needle (if it doesn’t come attached), and hold the pen at a 90-degree angle at the injection site. Insect by pressing down on the plunger.

Dispose of the needle (not the entire pen) in a sharps container afterwards. Use a fresh needle each time you inject.

Prefilled Syringes

Prefilled syringes are usually single-use and injected at a 45-degree angle. Afterwards, dispose of the needle in a sharps container right away.

Reconstitution Syringes

For this type of injection, you need to mix a liquid and a powder in the vial before drawing the medication. Be sure to swirl gently instead of shaking to avoid bubbles.

After drawing up the medication, the process to inject is the same as prefilled syringes.

Intramuscular Injections

The most common intramuscular IVF medication is progesterone in oil. Because the medication is thicker, you’ll often use a larger needle to draw it up and then switch to a smaller one for injecting. These shots go straight into the muscle at a 90-degree angle using a quick, dart-like motion.

Applying a heating pad (not an ice pack) to the injection site beforehand or warming the oil in your hands can make the injection more comfortable.

If you’re ever unsure about mixing or injecting a medication, reach out to your fertility clinic or pharmacist. They can walk you through the process step by step to ensure everything is done safely. With practice, you’ll become more confident in managing your medications.