Going through IVF is a difficult process. One of the hardest parts is when you have to use self injections on a regular basis to get the hormones you need to grow more and healthier eggs. These injections normally take place more than once per day for an entire cycle. Whether you’re giving yourself injections or you’re having your partner do it, you need to learn how to use needles and syringes.
One of the best ways to fight injection pain is the find the right size needles. Many people aren’t even aware of it, but needles come in many different sizes. In general, the smaller the needle, the less you’ll feel, which just makes sense. The size needle you can use may be restricted by the type of medication you’re using. Some IVF medication needs to be injected subcutaneously, and some needs to go into the muscle. The type of injection will make a difference in the type of needle you’re allowed to use at your injection site.
It’s important when you’re dealing with IVF that you have enough needles and syringes to get you through an entire cycle. Don’t buy a lot more than you need, but buy enough that you’ll always be able to take your medications. It’s vital that you take your IVF medications on time every day. This means that you need to make sure you’re injecting around the same time each day. If you run out of the needles you need, then you won’t be able to get your injections done on time.
If you’re having trouble getting your injections done without too much pain, talk to your IVF clinic about ways to reduce the pain that you feel. There are lots of ways to do it. You can tap on the injection site just before giving yourself a shot. You can also ice the spot or use rubbing alcohol to make the skin a little numb. All of these techniques can help you kill the pain.
Your best bet, though, is to work with the smallest possible needle. This will leave less of a hole in your injection site and will make you more impervious to pain that comes with self injections. Talk to your doctor about the needles you should get for your IVF medications so that you buy the right needles and syringes on the first try.