Understanding IVF Medications and Injections

Key Takeaways

• IVF treatment relies on carefully timed hormone injections to help your body produce the best possible eggs for fertilization and boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
• Many IVF injections are easy to manage at home, giving you more flexibility in your journey.
• It's totally normal to feel a little nervous about injections.  But with practice and support from your loved ones and your fertility team, you can overcome those anxieties and feel confident in your ability to manage your treatment.

IVF: Taking Your Best Shot

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a journey that can bring joy and hope, but it also comes with its own set of unique steps and challenges. One of the most common concerns is the use of medications, including daily injections. At NCFMC, we understand that this might feel daunting at first. That's why we've created this guide to help you better understand the medication aspect of your IVF journey.

The Basics of IVF Medications

IVF involves carefully stimulating your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized in a lab setting. This process requires a carefully orchestrated sequence of medications, tailored to your individual needs and guided by your fertility specialist.

During your IVF cycle, you'll likely be prescribed several types of medications. These medications work together to achieve different goals, helping to regulate your hormone levels and optimize the conditions for egg development, fertilization, and ultimately, implantation. Let’s break them down below:

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH): These hormones stimulate the growth of follicles within your ovaries, bringing your eggs closer to maturity. They are often administered through subcutaneous injections, meaning the medication is delivered into the fatty tissue just under the skin. You may recognize some of the common brand names like Gonal-F, Follistim, and Menopur.  
• Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Antagonists: These medications work by temporarily "switching off" your brain’s ability to trigger ovulation. This is important because premature ovulation could cause your cycle to be canceled. These medications are typically given through subcutaneous injections as well.  
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG): This important shot, known as the trigger shot, helps to ensure the final maturation of your eggs and prepare them for retrieval. It's typically administered via intramuscular injection, meaning the medication is delivered deep into the muscle to allow for quicker absorption. Common forms of hCG include Ovidrel, Novarel, and Pregnyl. Watch this instructional video by Progyny to make sure you’re targeting the right spot (the upper outer quadrant of the buttock area).
• Progesterone: After egg retrieval, progesterone is vital for preparing your uterus to welcome a fertilized egg. It is usually given through vaginal suppositories or injections.  

Navigating At-Home Injections

Many people find the idea of administering their own injections intimidating at first. One study found that almost two-thirds of adults have a fear of needles. But fear not, our team will provide you with detailed instructions and training on how to safely and confidently administer your medications.  

Here are some steps to make home injections easier:

1. Preparation: Gather all your supplies, including your medicine, syringes, alcohol swabs, gauze pads, sharps container, and an ice pack.
2. Injection Site: The abdomen is usually the go-to spot for subcutaneous injections, while the upper thigh or buttock is commonly used for intramuscular injections.
3. Cleaning: Wash your hands thoroughly, then disinfect the injection site with an alcohol swab.
4. Injecting:  Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.  You will likely remove the cap from the syringe, point the needle upward, and flick it gently to remove any air bubbles.  Then, push the plunger slightly to expel a tiny amount of liquid from the needle tip. Pinch a fold of skin at the injection site and steadily insert the needle. Once the needle is fully in, let go of the skin. Remember to rotate your injection sites with each dose.  
5. Disposal:  Always dispose of the needle using a sharps container. 
6. Pressure: Apply a gauze pad to the injection site for a few seconds to help prevent bleeding.
7. Ice Pack: A cold pack can be applied to the area if you experience any discomfort, especially with intramuscular injections. We recommend that patients call their nurse if they have ongoing pain or swelling related to shots. Sometimes, a lidocaine patch can be prescribed to help numb the area and provide some relief. It can also help to confirm the location of your injection site – and make sure you aren’t accidentally hitting a nerve.  

For another resource, check out this  online guide to injection techniques and medication published by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).  

Your Questions Answered

Do IVF Shots Hurt?

You might experience some discomfort during the injection, but most medications are minimally invasive. The majority of injections used in IVF are subcutaneous, meaning the needle doesn't go beyond the layers of the skin. While the thought of needles can be anxiety-provoking, the injections themselves are typically relatively painless. 

If you do experience soreness or bruising, using different injection sites can help. If you feel pain after an injection, especially with intramuscular shots, try massaging the area or applying ice before and after administering the medication.

Can I Learn to Give Myself a Shot?

Absolutely! The dedicated team at Fertility Associates of Memphis will provide you with thorough instructions and training to help you feel confident about giving yourself injections. You'll also find online resources and support groups dedicated to helping patients through this process.

How Long Do I Take Injections?

The duration of your injections will vary based on your individual treatment plan and your body's response to the medications. Your fertility specialist will provide you with a personalized timeline.

Will I Gain Weight During IVF?

Weight gain is a common myth associated with IVF treatment, but there's no scientific evidence to support it. Research suggests that participants in IVF cycles actually experience a minimal change in body weight, often less than 1%. Any bloating, mood swings, or headaches are typically mild and temporary.

What If I Miss a Dose?

Call your nursing team immediately if you miss a dose. They will guide you on the best course of action to get back on track. 

Are the Injections Working?

By using ultrasound scans and blood tests, your fertility doctor will monitor your progress closely. This will ensure that the medications are stimulating your ovaries effectively – and help determine if any changes are needed to your protocol.

Getting Support

Navigating IVF can be an emotional journey. Our team is here to guide you on all aspects of your IVF treatment, including medication information, injection techniques, and addressing any concerns you might have.  You can also connect with other IVF patients through support groups to share experiences and find encouragement.  

While IVF medications and injections might seem overwhelming at first, with the right information and support, they can become a manageable part of your path to parenthood. 

This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not serve as medical advice. Please consult your fertility care specialist for any health or medication concerns or before making any health-related decisions.