Here is a list of commonly prescribed medications related to infertility. It is not broken down between IUI or IVF, but you can look up medications you may be discussing with your RE.
PIO
May 11, 2009
March 17, 2009
Progesterone in Oil Injection Tips!
PIO Tips!
by Jess (Flying Monkeys)
My introduction to progesterone in oil (PIO) shots was during my first IVF cycle in 2005. I wasn't sure about my husband giving me the shots since he almost passed out when our vet described the surgery he had done to place pins in our dog's leg. The last thing I wanted was to have him pass out and get stuck trying to reach the needle to pull it out, flailing around like a wounded whale, what a sight. I eventually handed over the duty. These are tips that worked for me, they may not work for everyone and some things that didn’t work for me may work for others.
*Ambesol does not numb the injection site. Even after it dries, it stings.
*If you divide your butt/hip into quadrants, the upper and outer most quadrant is the most comfortable and desirable spot. I tried my thigh and thought I was never going to get the cramp out. I suppose you could have your spouse give them in your arm.
*It’s easier to have your spouse do them for you. They drew wonderful circles that we continued to retrace so he couldn’t miss ‘the spot’.
*Slow is not the way to go. Use fast darting motions. I had my husband practice on an orange or an apple to get the darting motion down and more comfortable for him. This tip came from a friend who is a nurse anesthetist. The difference between the previous cycle and the cycle he gave us this tip was enormous. My ass thanks him.
*Warm it up. The oil is pretty viscous so I would fill my syringe, recap it and while my cheek was numbing (explained next) I would stick it in my armpit, if you have breasts that will work too. I have tinies, not cleavage to hold it. Be careful not to depress the plunger. It made the PIO go in more smoothly.
*Ice it. I would take a gallon Ziplock bag, fill it about 1/3 with water and lay it flat in the freezer to freeze. About 20 minutes before the shot I would wrap it in a thin dish towel and stick it in my sweats against the side I was getting that night’s injections. (I’m sure I could have left that part out but you never know.) After the shot I’d put it back in the freezer for the next one.
*Make sure he squeezes up some skin where he’s shooting. The pressure helps needle insertion and discomfort.
*Rubbing the site or a heating pad after the injection helps. After the injection I would firmly rub the area or place some heat on it to help the oil disperse.
*Get up and walk around, you want to keep the blood flowing, that will help you not develop lumps and sore spots, and help distribute the medicine.
The warming and icing helped me survive PIO shots through 17 weeks of my pregnancy (don’t worry, that is not the norm for the duration of shots) and 4 of the 7 cycles it took to get me there. Good luck!
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