IVF Injection Support: Your Guide to Medication Administration

The IVF Medications You Might Be Using

Depending on your protocol, you may use one or more of the following:

• Ovarian stimulation medications (like Gonal-F®, Follistim®, or Menopur®) help your body produce multiple eggs
• Trigger shots (like Ovidrel®, Pregnyl®, or HCG) support final egg maturation before retrieval
• Hormonal support (like progesterone in oil or estradiol valerate) prepares your body for transfer and early pregnancy
• Ovulation prevention medications (like Ganirelix Acetate or Cetrotide®) help keep your cycle on track
• Additional supportive medications such as Lupron® or Omnitrope® may also be part of your care plan

Every medication has its own specific directions for administration. You’ll receive exact medication instructions from Fertility Specialists of Texas. If you’re not sure what to take or when to take it, reach out. We’re here to give you the answers you need.

Injection Tips Before You Start

Nothing about this is easy, and we understand that. Here are a few tips that have helped our patients through the injection process:

• Practice your first injection in the office or over a virtual call with a nurse.
• Rotate injection sites as recommended to reduce irritation.
• Apply ice for a minute or two beforehand to numb the skin, if needed.
• Breathe. Then breathe again. You’ve got this.

You might not feel strong every moment of this journey—and that’s okay. Just remember: strength isn’t about never feeling scared. It’s about showing up.

Step-by-Step IVF Injection Process

You deserve support and clarity through every step of this process. We’ll walk you through what to expect at each stage of giving yourself an IVF injection—from organizing supplies to safe disposal.

1. Prepare Your Materials

Before you inject anything, take time to gather and organize your supplies. This part may seem simple, but it can ease a lot of stress once injections begin.

• Unpack your medications early. Aim to do this a few days before your cycle starts. Cross-check the contents with your personalized medication list.
• Refrigeration vs. room temperature: Some medications need refrigeration; others don’t. If you’re unsure, reach out to your nurse or pharmacy.
• Designate a clean, comfortable space. A bathroom or kitchen counter, vanity, or bedside table works well. Choose a spot with good lighting and a flat surface.
• Stay organized. Keep a calendar (on your phone, on paper, or both) to track dosages, times, and refills. You can also set alarms so you never miss a dose.
• Decide who will give the injection. You can do it yourself or ask a partner, friend, or family member for help. Whatever you choose is valid.

Feeling nervous? That’s normal. Watching instructional videos ahead of time can help you feel more in control. You’ll also find comfort in repeating the same routine daily—it quickly becomes second nature.

2. Prepare the Injection

Each medication comes with specific preparation instructions—mixing vials, measuring doses, or attaching the right needle. When you’re ready to prepare the injection:

• Wash your hands well. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Work on a clean, flat surface. Lay down a clean towel or prep mat if that helps you feel more organized.
• Line up everything you need. This includes your vial or pen, needles, alcohol swabs, gauze, and a sharps container.
• Mix carefully, if needed. Some medications require you to reconstitute (mix) them before injecting. Follow your video tutorial or ask your nurse for help.

3. Draw Up the Medication

Once your medication is ready, it’s time to get it into the syringe (unless you’re using a prefilled pen).

• Check the dosage again before you draw the medication.
• Use the correct needle and syringe based on your medication and administration type (subcutaneous or intramuscular).
• Pull up the exact amount into the syringe, tapping gently to release any bubbles. Expel excess air before moving forward.
• You don’t have to rush this step. Take your time and double-check. If something feels off, pause and reach out to your care team—we’re happy to walk through it with you.

4. Attach the Injection Needle

After you’ve drawn up the medication, you’ll usually need to switch to a different needle for the actual injection. This helps ensure the needle is sharp, sterile, and the correct length for your injection type.

• Use a fresh, clean needle.
• Twist or snap it on tightly, depending on your syringe.
• Be mindful of safety. Avoid touching the needle tip or laying it on surfaces.

5. Remove Air Bubbles

This step ensures you’re injecting medication—not air—and makes the process smoother and more comfortable.

• Hold the syringe upright and gently flick it to bring bubbles to the top.
• Push the plunger slowly until a tiny drop of medication appears at the tip.
• Double-check the dose after releasing any air.

Seeing bubbles can feel nerve-wracking the first time, but with practice, this step becomes easy.

6. Prepare the Injection Site

IVF injections are most often given either subcutaneously (into the fatty tissue of the abdomen or thigh) or intramuscularly (into the muscle of the upper buttocks). Your nurse will tell you exactly which method your medication requires.

For subcutaneous injections:

• Choose an area at least one inch away from your belly button.
• Rotate sites daily to reduce soreness or bruising.
• Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.
• Pinch or gently pull the skin tight before injecting.

For intramuscular injections:

• Use the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks.
• A partner may need to help.
• You can ask your nurse to mark the injection site during a visit.
• Warming the vial of medication (such as progesterone in oil) can make injection easier.
• Apply a heating pad to relax the muscle beforehand, and massage the area afterward to reduce soreness.

7. Inject the Medication

This is the moment you’ve prepared for—and you’ve got this.

Subcutaneous:

• Hold the needle like a dart at a 90-degree angle.
• Insert it quickly and smoothly.
• Press the plunger slowly and steadily until all medication is delivered.
• Remove the needle gently and apply pressure with gauze.

Intramuscular:

• Use a firm motion to insert the needle straight into the muscle.
• Deliver the medication slowly.
• Withdraw the needle and apply a warm compress or massage to ease tension.
• If you’re shaky or need a minute to calm your nerves first, that’s okay. There’s no race—only progress, one injection at a time.

8. Dispose of the Needle Safely

Immediately discard used needles in a proper sharps container. If you don’t have one yet, most pharmacies carry them—or you can use a hard, puncture-proof plastic container with a secure lid.

• Never reuse a needle.
• Keep your sharps container out of reach of children and pets.
• Once full, follow your city or clinic’s disposal guidelines.

Proper disposal isn’t just about safety—it’s one small way to feel organized and in control during treatment.

Why Timing Matters in IVF Medication Injections

When it comes to your injections, timing is everything, and your doctor will give you clear timing directions for each medication. Each dose plays a specific role in your treatment, and giving your medication at the right time helps your body respond in just the way we need it to.

From triggering ovulation to supporting implantation, your medication schedule is carefully mapped out by your care team. We know it can be a lot to keep track of—but we’re here to help you stay on schedule and feel more in control.

Your medication calendar is tailored just for you. If something feels unclear, it’s okay to ask. We’re here for you.

What You May Be Feeling—and Why That’s Okay

If the idea of self-injecting makes you anxious, know that you’re not the only one. Many people worry about doing it wrong, hitting the wrong spot, or just not feeling ready. These fears are valid. You don’t have to be okay with this right away.

Give yourself grace as you adjust. There’s no right way to feel during this process—only your way.

Reminders from Your Care Team

• Allow plenty of time. Don’t rush the process—create a calming environment with soft lighting or music if that helps.
• Make it a routine. Set reminders on your phone and stick to your injection windows.
• Ask for help. Whether from a partner, friend, or nurse—we’re in this together.
• Take care of you. Think about simple ways to ease the burden: order takeout, scale back commitments, build in rest.

You’re Doing Something Brave—And We’re Here to Support You

Giving yourself injections at home takes courage—not perfection. You don’t have to get it right the first time or do it all without fear. What matters is that you keep showing up. Your effort, your strength, and your questions are all valid.

If you ever feel stuck or uncertain, please don’t wait—reach out to the Fertility Specialists of Texas team. We’re here for you.