IVF injections – global #1 meds provider covers your top FAQs

Today, we’re jumping into some of the most common questions about IVF injections, from timing and injection techniques to tips for minimising discomfort. 

In the buttocks or the stomach? And what if something goes wrong? Whether you’re just starting your treatment or are mid-cycle, we’ve got you covered with an expert run-through. 

Need IVF meds, fast? Our expert partner FastIVF are a global medication provider, with over 15 years of experience. They deliver affordable, brand-name fertility medications direct to doorstep, saving patients up to 60% on medication costs on average. 

Plus, they offer a range of other services, helping you cut costs across the process. Here’s their snapshot guide to IVF injections, to get you off to a flying start. Do check out their video library too, packed with advice and tips for smooth sailing meds.

What time of day is best for IVF injections?

This really depends on your treatment protocol and regular daily schedule. 

Typically, injections are recommended to be at the same time every day. And – if you’re doing them twice a day – it’s recommended to space them 12 hours apart. So for example, if you’re doing two injections a day, you could work around your schedule to do them at 8AM and 8PM, or a convenient regular time. 

If you’re injecting once a day, we recommend you check with your clinic, asking their preference. This is because medication adjustments may be made during the monitoring phase of your treatment cycle. 

For final trigger shots, these will be 36 hours before your scheduled egg retrieval, and the time will be specified by your provider or clinic.

If going for the stomach, where is best (& can we do it lying down?)

When doing subcutaneous injections (into the fat, rather than muscle tissue, for example) in the stomach area, try to inject about two finger-widths away from the belly button. 

Under (or to the sides of) the belly button is typically less painful, because you tend to have more tissue in this area. Depending on your comfort level, try a few different injection sites in this area, to see which works best for you. 

Lots of patients like to ice the area before each injection, to numb the sensation a little. Anxious about needles? So many of us are! Try lying down, and having your partner or a trusted person do the injection for you.

What happens if we inject too close to the belly button?

Connective tissue – we call it ‘fascia’ – close to the belly button can be a little tough, making absorption of certain medications more difficult. Plus, bruising and discomfort can be more likely if you inject too close to the belly button. 

Again, try to keep your injections two finger-widths away from the belly button – and if you’re worried, touch base with your clinic, nurse or specialist.

I need to inject into the buttocks – anything I should know?

Intramuscular injections – where we’re injecting into the muscle tissue – can be scary, especially in the buttocks area (you’ll usually be going for the top outer quadrant, with these).

Once you’re rolling though, it does get easier. Here are our top tips to ease things up: 

1. Ice the injection site for 10-15 minutes prior to injection, and apply heat after.
2. Warm up your medication before injecting – many of our customers simply tuck the vial inside their bra, or warm it in their hands for about 20 minutes. You can also draw up the medication into the syringe and warm that instead if you’re in a time crunch! Warming your med will help the oil absorb more easily into the body.
3. Massage the area after injection. Foam rollers can help stretch the muscle a little, helping to prevent tightness as you move through your injections. 
4. Alternate sides and injection sites, if you can. 

How can we make IVF injections less painful? 

For intramuscular injections – for example, in your buttocks – see above for top tips on easing discomfort. For subcutaneous injections, here are a few more specifics: 

1. Inject two finger-widths down from the belly button – this area tends to have more tissue, causing less discomfort. 
2. Ice the area before injecting. 
3. Use a heating pad to ease discomfort, especially if you start feeling heavy or bloated during treatment in this area.

We’ve put together a guide specifically designed to help you avoid bruising – check this out first, or if bruises are an issue. 

Do IVF medications need to be refrigerated?

Some medications do need to be refrigerated, or your provider may recommend it. Your pharmacy – whether it’s us at FastIVF or somewhere else – should provide details for this, and your clinic may also review storage requirements during injection run-throughs. 

We’ve written a jam-packed guide covering which meds need to be kept in the fridge, during treatment, so make that an action on your list, too.

What should we do if we miss a dose, or time it incorrectly?

Contact your provider or clinic right away. Depending on the error, a second dose may be administered or the next injection may change. Try not to worry – a minor error won’t usually affect your treatment cycle – but do let your clinic or provider know, and follow professional advice. 

Can you ‘mess up’ IVF injections?

This is a really common community question – from timings to doses and a feeling of not having ‘done it’ correctly. If you do make an error (and we’re all human!) – what are the next steps?

Depending on where you’re at in your treatment cycle and the error, there may not be a big impact on the result. Every protocol and injection schedule will be unique, so if you do make an error, report it to your provider right away. 

And – going back a step – being prepared is key. Before starting treatment, make sure you get your clinic’s after hours and/or emergency phone number. If something were to happen, having this to hand provides real peace of mind.

Making IVF injections better – our top 3 tips

At FastIVF – and as pharmacists, but people supporting people! – it’s all about being organised, knowing the kit you love and tapping into the resources and support that work for you.

1. Have a designated area for injections

Having a specific spot – at home, at work or wherever you’re likely to be – to prep your injections can really help alleviate stress. The kitchen often wins here, as meds may be stored in the fridge.

2. Tap into blogs, vlogs, online forums and expert content

We’ve created so many guides and videos on FastIVF to use and save for each shot – from mixing meds to injecting. Aside from the how-tos, the IVF community is bursting with incredible support and resources – find the people who make you feel good during this process, and know that you’ve got this! 

We love this egg donation IVF prep guide as one to pin and share with the community, plus the team’s videos with tips for finding empowerment during treatment and staying sane across the process.

3. Stay on track

Calendars and alarms can help you stay on track and make adjustments if needed. 

It sounds old-school, but having a physical calendar means you can mark off when injections have been done, including the dosage – if your clinic adjusts your dose, remember to change it on the calendar as well. 

Alarms will help keep you on schedule, and are especially useful for those injecting twice a day.

How can I order meds through FastIVF?

Need to order your IVF meds online – from almost anywhere in the world? That’s what we do best! Here’s the process for getting started with FastIVF: 

1. We’ll need a valid prescription. This can be emailed to us or sent in by your doctor’s office. Once we have this, an itemised quote will be emailed along with more details. 
2. Our team will process the order when payment is sent, following up with tracking information as soon as it’s available. 
3. Shipping times are 3-5 business days and can be sooner, depending on the mail carrier. 

Our team will monitor your package once it’s been shipped, in case of any unexpected delays (e.g adverse weather or mail carrier operations). That way, we can be as proactive as possible, and ensure timely delivery.