The questions to ask, before starting IVF meds at home

Starting IVF injections, whether that’s for the first or fifth time, can feel like a big deal. 

And in so many ways, it is! Take it from us – you’re amazing for moving forward with this step in your fertility journey, and it’s absolutely okay to have a whole load of questions about it all. 

Whether you’re concerned about where to store your medications, unsure about the best time to take them, or just curious about how to make the process of injecting at home a bit easier, we know there’s lots to think about.

Starting IVF injections – what to expect

Knowing what to expect and having a plan in place can help you feel more in control, organized and confident as you begin this part of your journey.

So today, we’re back partnering with the expert team at FastIVF to bring you this mini-guide with the questions to bookmark for your doctor, fertility clinic team and pharmacist, before you start IVF meds at home.

FastIVF are a global medication provider with over 15 years of experience. They deliver affordable, brand-name fertility medications direct to your doorstep, saving patients up to 60% on medication costs on average. 

Before we get into it – read up on our collab IVF injection tips piece, for a flavor of their team’s expertise.

Now, over to Mary, Director at FastIVF, for the key questions to ask before getting started.

1. How should I store my IVF medications?

First off, ask your pharmacy how you should keep and store your IVF medications. Usually, they will give you really specific instructions to make sure you’re getting off on the right foot. 

Some meds should be kept at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, while others need refrigeration.

If your medication does require refrigeration, it’s best to store it in the fridge door – this helps prevent accidental freezing. 

Most people find it convenient to keep their medications in the kitchen so everything is in one spot!

2. What supplies will I need for my medications?

Your doctor’s office and pharmacy will supply everything you need for your IVF meds, but double-checking can be a good idea.

There are also a few extra things you can buy to make your injections easier. Consider picking up a heating pad or ice packs, as well as numbing or bruising cream – while these are optional, many people find them useful in making the process more comfortable.

Just be sure to check with your provider first to ensure the ingredients won’t interfere with your medications.

3. What day of my cycle should I start IVF injections?

This one is a key question to ask from the get-go. Your treatment plan should include precise details on when to begin your IVF meds. 

Each protocol is different, so your clinic will guide you based on your specific situation. Typically, you’ll contact your clinic on the first day of your cycle, and they’ll give you a timeline for starting injections. 

Keep in mind that you might not start all your medications at once, so it’s essential to note which ones begin and end on specific dates. This is where taking notes can help – whether that’s in the app on your phone, or on paper in your own dedicated IVF binder.

4. What’s the best time to take my medications?

Your clinic will likely suggest whether to take your injections in the morning or at night, depending on your treatment plan, but do make sure to ask this one regardless.

Many clinics schedule morning monitoring appointments so that your results are ready in time to adjust your medication doses if needed. 

If your injections are scheduled for the afternoon or evening, make sure to confirm if your dose has changed before prepping your meds. 

If you’re taking injections twice a day, aim for about 12 hours apart, and choose times that fit easily into your daily routine, like before work and at dinner.

5. How do I make sure I’m properly mixing/preparing my medications?

This one is usually more straightforward than you might think, but asking about little tips and tricks can go a long way.

Your clinic will go over how to mix and prepare your medications, and if you need a refresher, FastIVF have a host of helpful videos and resources available here that you can come back to whenever you need.

For powder medications that need to be mixed with a diluent, we encourage patients to gently swirl the vial instead of shaking it. Shaking can cause some of the medication to get trapped in the vial’s top, preventing you from getting the full dose. 

Prefilled medications, on the other hand, are ready to inject. A top tip: make sure the needle’s bevel (the hole) is facing up when you inject – this can make a noticeable difference!

6. How do I inject myself properly, and are there certain areas of my body that are best for injections?

Your clinic will give you instructions on how to inject your medications. The most common areas for subcutaneous injections are around your belly button, while intramuscular injections are usually done in the buttocks. 

If you need a handy step-by-step recap, check out FastIVF’s how-to videos and resources – though it’s always best to follow your clinic’s instructions, especially if you’re mixing multiple medications.

7. Can I keep taking my daily vitamins and medications?

This one is worth asking if you’re on any medications or taking supplements. This is because talking to your provider is really important to make sure you’re avoiding any potential interactions with your IVF meds.

Usually, the answer would be yes – you can keep taking daily vitamins and medications if you’re going to start IVF. In fact, most doctors would probably recommend specific supplements to help with egg quality, and other elements of your fertility, to support your treatment cycle.

8. Can I travel with my meds?

Definitely! If you’re traveling with IVF meds, the regulations might vary depending on your destination, so do take this question to your provider. 

They can write you a letter to carry with you, explaining your treatment, which will allow you to take your medications onboard. 

For refrigerated meds, pack them in an insulated bag with frozen gel packs to keep them cool. Fun fact: frozen gel packs are security-approved and will pass through airport checks! 

Always carry your medications with you in your hand luggage rather than checking them in – just in case your bag gets lost or delayed. Or, if the flight itself is delayed and you’re needing to do your injections, airport bathrooms usually have an area that allows you to prepare your shots in private.

What to do in an emergency – at a glance

On top of questions about getting set up for IVF injections at home, it’s also good to feel prepared for situations where things don’t go as planned.

Here’s our 1-2-3 for what to do, when.

What happens if I miss an IVF injection?

If you miss a dose, notify your provider or nurse right away so they can guide you on the next steps – and don’t panic!

Often, they’ll simply increase your next dose to make up for the missed one.

What if I forget my meds at home while traveling?

Contact your doctor if you forget to take meds with you while traveling. They can send a prescription to a nearby pharmacy, or your pharmacy can deliver the meds to your travel location. 

Our top tip: only order what you need, not the entire amount.

If someone has access to your home, they can ship the medications to you. FastIVF can also help with deliveries – connect with us here, and our team will help get things moving!

What if I’m having side effects from my IVF meds?

If you think you’re having a serious reaction, contact your provider or nurse immediately. It’s crucial to stop taking the medication if they’re causing life-threatening reactions, although this is rare.

Some more common side effects of IVF medication are bloating and feelings of fullness, and soreness at the injection site, as well as mood changes and feelings of brain fog.

Your provider can adjust your dosage or switch you to another medication if needed.

Need to order IVF meds online? Head over to FastIVF, send over your prescription, and place your order.

Shipping times are 3-5 business days or even sooner, depending on the mail carrier. They really do make it as easy as that!