[jagjah1030]

I was wondering if anyone had helpful hints on how to make progesterone injections less painful?? I will be having a frozen embryo transfer in September, and was told I would have PIO injections for at least two weeks (if not pregnant), and up to 12 weeks if I was. Throughout all of this infertility treatment (including surgeries), I found the PIO injections to be the worst part (physically) of it all! The longest I ever took them was for 9 days, and by that time my rear was covered in bruises and red lumps, where the oil hadn't absorbed very well. On two occaisions, I spurted blood onto the bathroom carpet immediatley after the injection. I'm hoping someone has some great advice, because I feel pure dread at the prospect of this.

[jen-hoping]

Hi there! Well there seem to be different schools of thought on the matter but here is what my RE's practice told me and it worked. My PIO shots were in the morning so I would ice my backside for 5-10 minutes while my DH held the vial of PIO in his hands. He then gave me the shot which I didn't feel b/c of the ice. Then I got into a nice warm shower which I think helped make sure the oil dissolved and did its thing. I have heard of some people heating their backside and others still who have their dh slap their backside and then do the injection. You can also ask about that numbing cream, EMLA I think it is called.

Best of luck to you!!!

[Boston73]

Hey Jen...I hated taking the PIO shots...uggh!! awful.
I didn't use anything to numb the area before. My husband would give the shots...he would just stick me as fast as he could...like a dart..and never really felt much just a little pinch and that was it. One time tho he did it way to slow and boy did that hurt!!!

I've had a good month off since my last IVF and I still feel sore in those areas. One spot actually feels numb. I hope it completely heals before Sept. Anyone else still feelin it??

Still waiting for darn AF to show so I can start next cycle!!!

Good Luck in Sept.!!!

Jill

[jenedens6102]

I haven't started any of my shots yet but what my RE recommended was sitting with a heating pad for about 5 minutes, holding the vial in your hand or in your bra for those 5 minutes so the oil gets close to body temperature. I was told to stock up on cotton balls and to apply light pressure after the needle is removed. Then massage the area for a few minutes and get into a warm bath.
Not sure how it works since I"m not there yet but like it was mentioned above we all seem to have different methods on here. You find what works best for you.

[einstein]

Ask your RE for an RX for Emla cream. It's a lidocaine-based anesthetic cream that numbs your skin. In fact, I put it on the boys' arms before they get IM needles and it helps reduce the pain. When I had my PIO shots (and I'm a huge wuss when it comes to needles), I didn't feel a thing due to the Emla cream. It was my saving grace. If you get it, I can tell you how to apply it and you'll have no pain whatsoever.

[kobl]

Do you need a prescription for the EMLA cream? I'm just curious, if it works, why doesn't everyone use it?

IVF is our next step if this IUI with injectibles fails and I am TERRIFIED of the PIO shots, enough that I am not sure if I can do IVF just because of that. I've already done Follistim and the hcg trigger shot so I know I can handle those.

Also, I talked to my RE's nurse and she said if my PIO shot is in the morning, I can come to the office and they will administer it. Has anyone else had the RE's office do the shot? I'd much rather they do it than my dh.

[jenedens6102]

Kelly,
They also have the progesterone in suppositories. Maybe that would work better for you. It's worth asking the question.

[jf5505]

I had another question about these shots b/c i have to start them and then be on them for up to 10 weeks if I get prego. Do they have to be at the same time every night? That will be really hard to do with DH who works late alot and I will not give them to myself...too hard?

[vandycamp]

I have been using the EMLA and it has worked wonders. I was also told to give the shots between 6-10 PM and try to give them around the same time. If it is off a few times I dont think it matters. After a while it becomes such a pain to do all the heating and stuff, I am down to just doing the EMLA and no longer heating. It wouldnt be bad except for the numb spots and the lumps. My butt is sore too. I have become an expert on giving myself shots in the butt too. you can shift around a little or give it in your thigh. You would be surprised what you can do for a baby!! and you have had one already.. so this should be a piece of cake!!! GOOD LUCK. Hollar if you need anything.

[ctdougherty]

Hi, I'm not sure if they work the same way as the injections but I have been prescribed progesterone suppositories to start after my IUI. You could ask your Dr. and see, anything to avoid more injections seem like a good idea to me.
Good luck

Me: 31 tomorrow
Diagnosed: PCOS
1st IUI Wednesday

[shellster0219]

My husband is great at giving my shots. He will have to give them now for 2mths. But I must ask my doctor about the suppositories in case he can't do it , he is gone sometimes. Emla cream is prescription just in case you were still wondering.

[Chef Ritz]

Hi Jennifer,

I have done these yet, buy my girl friend told me to have a warm wash cloth (put it in the microwave) and when you husband gives you your shot have him put the cloth on and massage. She said she never had problems with it.

Good luck