IVF Tips for Blood Draw

These tips for a blood draw will help you to have an easier experience and less anxiety.

It should come as no surprise that the IVF process comes with many, MANY blood draws.

When you go through IVF and even before when doctors are ordering tests to check different levels to see what’s going on with your body and trying to diagnose your condition there are so many blood draws. 

Some phlebotomists are much better pokers than others.

If you dislike needles or get queasy at the sight of blood there are some things that can help you get through your blood draws.

Please note: I am not a medical professional. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose any conditions. Always consult your doctor or medical professionals. Full disclaimer available here.

1. Talk to your phlebotomist or nurse.

I’ve found that just chatting or rambling helps me to distract myself. You might be concerned about distracting them. If so, just ask if they mind if you chat to distract yourself. If it keeps you from moving your arm then it might actually make it a bit easier on them.

2. Wear short sleeves.

Wear a short-sleeved top or one with sleeves you can easily push above your elbow.

They’ll need to have access to the inside of your elbow. One time I wore a really cute sweatshirt (over a basic tank top) but the cuffs had no stretch, so I needed to slip my arm out of the sleeve and pull the bottom up so she could do the blood draw.

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3. Use numbing cream.

Ask if you can use a numbing cream. I’ve heard some women swear by numbing cream to use for blood draws, stimulation shots, and progesterone in oil shots.

I haven’t used it, but I have iced before stimulation shots and progesterone in oil shots. Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure it’s okay.

This shot blocker is another option that’s medication-free, though it may be better for injections rather than blood draws.

4. Swap blood draw locations.

Swap the arm of your blood draw location, especially if you’re doing IVF. During stimulation shots, they’ll take a blood draw each time you come in for monitoring.

For me, that was usually every 2-3 days.

They need to check your estrogen and progesterone levels for info on how your follicles are developing. If they can find a good spot on each arm they’re usually good about alternating draw sites.

You just might need to let them know your blood draw was on the right arm last time, can we use the left arm this time?

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5. Treat Yourself!

Treat yourself after. Give yourself a little reward to look forward to after your blood draw. It could be a little treat like some chocolate, a few minutes reading a fun book, or listening to your favorite song on repeat.

Which tip for a blood draw is your favorite?

I hope these blood draw tips are helpful so that you have an easier and more comfortable experience.

Let me know in the comments which tip is your favorite along with any other tips that have helped you with blood draws.

If you have an upcoming IVF cycle, you may find these tips helpful for preparing, or this post with fertility resources.

Wishing you all the best!