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Injectable Fertility Medications

Injectable fertility medications are a common “next step” along the fertility journey, particularly if you’re moving forward with IVF. No matter how dedicated you are to pursuing your dream of having a baby, adjusting to the idea of giving yourself (or having your partner give you) injections on a daily basis is not very appealing.

In fact, it can be downright daunting.

Check Out Freedom’s MedTEACH Injection Training Videos for Injectable Meds

Here you can find Freedom Pharmacy’s MedTeach page, which has training videos specific to the injectable fertility drugs you’ll use.

Different infertility diagnoses and medical conditions result in different prescriptions, and each one has its own set of instructions when it comes to:

  • Mixing (if necessary)
  • Preparing the injection and the skin/area where you’ll be injecting the medicine (typically your tummy, although not always)
  • Completing a successful injection
  • Safely disposing to of the needle, syringe and other materials

For example, watch this video on how to administer General Subcutaneous Injections. It’s an example of how clear, detailed and accurate these videos are. If you get nervous your first (or second) time around, the Freedom Pharmacy MedTEACH Videos will be a tremendous ally – as if you have your own, on-demand injection tutor.

Tips for Making Fertility Injections Less Painful or Stressful

For many of our patients, getting over the initial hump of fear and/or resistance to the shots is the hardest part.

That being said, there are a few tricks of the trade:

  1. Stay calm. Nervousness or the desire to “hurry up and get it over with,” can compromise things. Tense, tight skin and muscle fibers make shots more uncomfortable, shaking hands or a rushed approach cause the needle to bounce out before all the medication is injected, etc. If you are afraid of needles, have an aversion to shots or feel really afraid of fertility shots, this is a good time to begin exploring deep breathing exercises, mindfulness mediations and/or yoga – all of which can help you relax, remain calm and focus.
  2. Celebrate your womanly curves. Always hated that extra pooch of skin on your tummy, hips or bum? Now, that extra cushion will serve as extra protection between sensitive nerve endings and the tip of the needle. Hurray for being a woman!
  3. Know you don’t have to be a pro. The needles used for fertility medications are the same ones used by diabetics of all ages, who use the short, subcutaneous (right under the skin, not into the muscle) needles to administer insulin. It doesn’t require a professional medical degree – just a little practice makes perfect, we promise!
    There are enough stressful things to contend with as you move through your fertility treatments, so we hope the support your receive via your fertility treatment specialist, and resources such as the MedTEACH videos, take the worry about fertility injections completely off your plate!

Columbia Fertility Associates provides compassionate, personalized fertility treatments – and we support our patients every step of the way. Contact us to schedule your appointment.