Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPurposeHow to InjectPost InjectionSide EffectsPrecautionsStorageAlternatives
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Purpose
How to Inject
Post Injection
Side Effects
Precautions
Storage
Alternatives
Injections ofprogesteronein oil are often prescribed as part of the process ofin vitro fertilization (IVF)to increase the odds of becoming pregnant.
Progesterone injections help make the lining of the uterus thicker to prepare for the fertilized egg. There are some common side effects, such as redness at the injection site. Most side effects are mild, but if there are any concerns, other options for progesterone medications are available.
This article explains why a progesterone in oil injection is important during pregnancy. It also offers tips on how to self-administerintramuscular injectionsof progesterone.
Purpose of Projesterone Oil Injections
Progesterone is a sex hormone that plays a key role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It helps to build up the uterus lining so it can receive the fertilized egg.It also maintains the lining to support and nourish the embryo throughout the pregnancy.
Injections of progesterone in oil may be prescribed right after your IVF procedure to help your body prepare for pregnancy.Your healthcare provider will provide instructions for daily intramuscular injections beginning the day after your egg retrieval up until you take a pregnancy test.
When you have a positive pregnancy test, you may be asked to continue the injections for 10 weeks. You can stop the injections when your placenta begins to produce progesterone at about 10 weeks.
It can be difficult to give yourselfinjections. However, knowing that you may be helping your chances of a healthy pregnancy should make the discomfort a little easier to tolerate. And remember, it’s only temporary.
How to Inject Progesterone Oil
Before giving yourself daily injections, decide what time of day to start them, whether it’s morning, afternoon, or evening. Injections should be given at about the same time every day.
The following sections give tips on how to do the progesterone injections. If you find it’s still difficult for you to inject yourself, ask a friend or family member for help. If that isn’t an option, call your doctor’s office and ask for a tutorial.
Where to Inject
Intramuscular injections will usually be given in the upper, outer part of the buttocks. In some cases, your healthcare provider may advise you on other areas to inject.
Don’t forget to rotate your injection sites, likely from the right side of the body to the left, each day. Never inject your medication into the same spot repeatedly. This can increase your chances of tissue damage.
Make sure you palpate (gently feel) your muscles before choosing a site. Sometimes progesterone in oil can accumulate in your muscle, causing little knots or bumps, known aspanniculitis.Your injection should not go into one of these bumps and it should be at least an inch away from a knot to avoid pain and to help the absorption of progesterone.
Preparing the Injection Site
To numb the area before the injection, you can use an ice pack on the area for 30 seconds.Your healthcare provider may also give you a prescription of lidocaine cream to help numb the area. If so, apply an amount the size of a penny. Don’t rub in the cream. Cover it with a bandage and wait one hour before removing the bandage and wiping off the cream.
Before injecting the progesterone, wash your hands and wipe the injection area with an alcohol wipe or pad.
Injecting the Medication
How to Reduce Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Injection Pain
After a Progesterone Injection
Once you’ve injected yourself and removed the needle, use heat or aheating padto warm the injection site. Because the progesterone is contained in the oil, it can take a while to absorb into your muscles. The heat will warm and thin the oil, helping boost absorption.
You should also gently massage the area after the injection is complete. This can also help the progesterone get absorbed.
Possible side effects of progesterone oil injections include:
Let your healthcare provider know right away if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
Progesterone is usually compounded in sesame oil. If you have allergies to peanuts or sesame, mention it to your doctor. They may prescribe progesterone in olive oil instead.
You shouldn’t take progesterone oil injections if you have any of the following conditions:
If you experience sleepiness or dizziness while taking progesterone oil injections, don’t drive or operate heavy machinery.
Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 for any of the following signs or symptoms:Difficulty breathingSwelling of the tongue, face, or throatChange in pulse rateFeeling dizzy or faintLoss of consciousness
Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 for any of the following signs or symptoms:
Storing Progesterone Oil
Keep the oil in a warm place, not in the refrigerator. Oil can become thicker when it’s in a cold environment. This can make it more difficult to draw up or inject.
Alternatives to Progesterone Oil Injections
In addition to intramuscular injections, there are different methods of delivering progesterone for IVF. These include Endometrin (a vaginal insert), Crinone (vaginal gel), and Prometrium (oral capsules).
Intramuscular progesterone appears to work as well for IVF as the other forms of progesterone.Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Speak with your healthcare provider about which form would be best for you.
Summary
Progesterone is a hormone that is important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. For this reason, women who are undergoing IVF may have to give themselves progesterone injections. Self-administering shots can be difficult, but there are ways to make the process easier and less painful.
If you are having a lot of difficulty tolerating giving yourself daily injections, or if you notice anyside effects, ask your doctor about switching to a different type of progesterone. Progesterone also comes in gel, tablet, and suppository form. These are taken orally or placed in the vagina and don’t require an injection.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine.Progesterone Supplementation During IVF.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Progesterone.
Washington University Physicians.Progesterone and IVF: So why do I need this?
Massachusetts General Hospital. Fertility Center.In vitro fertilization.
Hirsch LJ, Strauss KW.The injection technique factor: what you don’t know or teach can make a difference.Clinical Diabetes. 2019;37(3):227-233. doi:10.2337/cd18-0076
University of North Carolina Reproductive Endocrinology Clinical Studies.Progesterone instructions.
University Hospitals.Progesterone in oil (IM) patient instructions.
Oregon Health & Science University.Progesterone (injection).
Watson Pharma, Inc.Progesterone injection USP in sesame oil.
Zaman AY, Coskun S, Alsanie AA, Awartan KA.Intramuscular progesterone (Gestone) versus vaginal progesterone suppository (Cyclogest) for luteal phase support of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: patient preference and drug efficacy.Fertil Res Pract.2017;3:17. doi:10.1186/s40738-017-0044-y
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