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Sub-cutaneous Injection Tips

To reduce stinging:

• Try putting ice OR a product called EMLA (available at pharmacies) on the injection site to numb the skin before injecting
• Before injecting, make sure you let the injection site dry after you clean your skin with the alcohol wipe
• Some women find that injections sting less given in the abdomen and others find they sting less in the thigh. You might want to try switching locations to see which one works best for you
• Some medications sting less than others. If your clinic gives you a choice, Gonal-F seems to sting less than Puregon or Follistim.

For better absorption:

• Try giving yourself injections in the abdomen instead of the thigh. The abdomen is actually the best site for injections for most people because the blood flow to the tissue remains the same and generally speaking there is more fatty tissue there. However, you must stay away from your bellybutton by at least 1 inch in diameter. The more blood flow to the injection site the quicker the medication is absorbed.

To reduce leakage of medication: (a small amount of leakage is normal)

• Release the fold of skin you are holding before removing the needle
• Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball after withdrawing the needle
• Try leaving the needle in for a few seconds before withdrawing
• Try pulling some extra air in after you've pulled all the medication into the syringe. Turn it needle end down and tap all the air to the plunger end, which leaves the air bubble there. When you inject, you end up pushing all of the medication out and some of this air. A little air in a sub-cutaneous injection won't hurt you.
• Ask your clinic if you can use less dilutent for mixing your injections. Some medications can be given with less dilutent than stated in the drug company's mixing guidelines. Only do this with your clinic's approval.

Progesterone in Oil Injection Tips

• Try warming the progesterone in oil vial next to your skin (slipping the vial in your bra is ideal) for half an hour before the injection.
• Change the needle after drawing up the Progesterone to avoid injecting yourself with a dull, oil-covered needle
• To lessen the pain of the progesterone IM injections, place warm compresses on the injection site after the injection is given and rub the area really well so the oil gets disbursed more quickly.