Intramuscular Injections of Progesterone in Oil

As part of the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), you may have to take daily progesterone injections to increase the odds of becoming pregnant.

This article explains why progesterone is important during pregnancy. It also offers tips on how to self-administer intramuscular injections of progesterone if your doctor has prescribed them.

Purpose of Injection

Progesterone is a sex hormone that plays a key role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Self-administering progesterone during IVF helps your body prepare for a pregnancy.

It can be difficult to give yourself injections. 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.​​ 

Performing the Injection

If you are currently self-administering progesterone injections and finding it difficult, the following tips can help:

• 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.
• Before you inject yourself, change the needle after drawing the medication into the syringe. A sharp needle will make the injection a little less painful.
• Once you've picked an injection site—for intramuscular injections this will most likely be your buttocks, arm, or thigh—use ice to numb your skin before cleaning it with alcohol.
• Don't forget to rotate your injection sites. 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 as panniculitis. 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.

If 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.

After the Injection

Once you've injected yourself, use heat or a heating pad to 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 massage the area after the injection is complete. This can also help the progesterone get absorbed.

Summary

Progesterone is a hormone that is important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. For this reason, women who are undergoing IVF are 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.

A Word From Verywell

If you are having a lot of difficulty tolerating giving yourself daily injections, or if you notice any side effects, ask your doctor about switching to a different type of progesterone. Progesterone also comes in gel, tablet, or suppository form. These are placed in the vagina and don't require an injection.