Injection Instructions

Learning to give an injection is a simple process. The hardest injection to give is the FIRST one.  Be sure to assemble your supplies before starting in order to avoid having to stop and get something you need.

Basic supplies include:                 ► alcohol and cotton balls or alcohol wipes
                                                            ► medications
                                                            ► syringes and needles
                                                            ► SHARPS disposal box or another safe container
                                                            ► heating pad (optional)
                                                            ► band-aids (optional)

You will need to take your medication by either subcutaneous injection (tiny needle) or intramuscular injection (larger, longer needle). SUBCUTANEOUS injections are given just under the skin into the fatty tissue with ½-inch to ⅝-inch needle. INTRAMUSCULAR injections are given into the hip muscle with 1½-inch needle. Most people find it easy to give themselves subcutaneous injections but need another person to administer intramuscular injections. Your spouse, a friend or neighbor or even a co-worker may be willing to learn how to give these injections.

Remember, the IVF Team is available to provide hands-on instructions and demonstrations prior to your cycle for you and anyone planning to give your injections. Jan Lambert is our injection expert in the Chattanooga office, but other staff members are trained to provide assistance as well.

You won’t necessarily use the entire amount of every prescribed medication, so don’t be concerned if you have leftover doses. Unopened medications can be added to our “For Sale” list so other patients can contact you if they wish to purchase items from you. Alternatively, you can donate leftover items to the Fertility Center.

                                                            ALSO NOTE:        ml  =  cc

Click below for detailed written instructions on injecting specific medications:

          Follistim

          Menopur

          Ganirelix 

          Progesterone in Ethyl Oleate or Oil

          Lupron

          Novarel

To view on-line video demonstrations with step-by-step instructions for injecting fertility medications, click on one of the links below: