Tips and Tricks for IVF Medication
Is the fear of IVF shots keeping you from your surrogacy journey? Read on to learn some tips and tricks learned from my past experience to help minimize those fears and make this process more manageable.
First things first! Open your box of medications right away when it arrives from the pharmacy. There are going to be lots of different medications, needles, syringes and pills so do not panic. It’s important to go through and match what you have to your medication calendar to ensure you have what your nurse intended. Sometimes you may have MORE medications than show on your medication calendar. That’s ok, too! Some clinics will send some common items that they might switch to so you have them on hand.
Some medications require refrigeration and some do not. The medications that do not need to be refrigerated should keep at room temperature. Check the labels and store accordingly. As you know, these are expensive and typically not readily available at the local drug store, so replacing them could be challenging, especially if last minute.
Stay organized! You don’t need anything fancy. Any simple way to store all of your medications in a safe place, where you will have everything, you need in reach is important. You could use a tackle box, makeup organizer box or a bag designed for toiletries when traveling. Make copies of your calendar and put it on the fridge, on your bathroom mirror, anywhere you are going to have to look at it every day as well as a copy that can be with your medications. Some surrogates also choose to transfer their calendar into their phone and set alarms. You will find the best method that will work for you. Medication mistakes happen, but we want to try to set you up for success and minimize the risk of making an error.
Here are some tricks that may help with injections:
You can ice the site on your abdomen before administering the injections.
Use a quick dart motion- no hesitation!
Rotate the sites where you are injecting.
Topical numbing creams or patches can be used, but be sure to clean the site with an alcohol swab prior to injecting.
Discharge is normal from suppositories, so use a panty liner to help contain the discharge. (Sometimes it can be blue!)
Vaginal suppositories may come with an applicator, or you can insert them with your finger instead which may reduce irritation from applicator.
Apply mild heat and massage the muscle after injection to disperse the medication.
Warm the vial of oil by rubbing the bottle between your hands for a few minutes before injection or tucking it into your bra for a few minutes.
Phone a friend! Ask your partner or a friend if they are willing to help you with the injection.
Everyone at Bright Futures Families is always willing to help! Please reach out with any questions or concerns.