Progesterone in Oil Shot Tips

Progesterone in Oil shots are tricky. They are intramuscular and so the needle is longer (1.5 inches) and thicker than the stimulation shots and they are injected into your upper glute muscle. 

Quite literally, a pain in the butt. 

When you are beyond ready to have your baby growing in your belly, a little pain is worth it.

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make these shots a bit easier.

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.

Before Progesterone in Oil Shot

Before your shot, you can numb the location. Grab an ice pack or package of frozen veggies and hold it there for a few minutes before the shot. 

I used one of the ice packs that came with a refrigerated shot package and just wrapped it in a towel.

If icing the area doesn’t help you, then you could try heating the shot area to help relax the muscle. I’ve heard other women swear by each of these, so try both and see which helps you the most.

Warm the oil by putting it in your bra for a few minutes. Bringing the oil close to body temperature could help the oil to get a little less thick and flow a little better.

Make sure you are alternating your shot location. Depending on your protocol you might be doing these shots every day or every few days. Either way, you’ll want to switch sides. 

I keep track with a calendar or just a sheet of paper to make a note of the day and which side my shots were on. 

If it’s your first time doing these shots, make sure you review the directions. The video with the instructions we followed is available here.

The tricky part about this shot is making sure it’s in the right area. Our nurses have marked the locations with permanent markers, which last a few days. As the marks fade be sure to trace them again.

If you forget, the nurse in this video explains really simply how to position the shot.

During the Shot

Unless you are super bendy and flexible you will need help administering the progesterone in oil shot. Your partner will be injecting the PIO into your upper glute (check with your doctor for exact location). This is great if you don’t want to see the actual injection but can cause some anxiety as you wait for the needle to actually go in. 

I recommend giving yourself a distraction during the shot.

Some ideas:

• Watch a favorite show
• Watch a music video
• Listen to your favorite song
• Sing a song
• Say a prayer of thanks for your baby
• Play a game on your phone

It also really helps during the shot to relax your glute muscle as much as possible. Without that tension the shot doesn’t seem to hurt as much. There are two ways to do this. 

1. You can shift all your weight to the opposite side of the shot. For example, if the shot is going to be on your left, shift all your weight to your right foot. This way you can relax your left side as much as possible.
2. Lay down and relax your muscles completely while your partner gives you the injection.

The other thing to be aware of is that since this shot is an oil it is thicker and therefore takes a little longer to administer. My hubby would apologize for it taking so long, but the oil being thicker is harder to push through the needle. Slow and steady is normal. 

If you think it might help, ask your partner to let you know how much is left by telling you when the syringe is down to half, then down to a quarter left.

RELATED: Affirmations for Embryo Implantation

After Progesterone In Oil Shot

Wait a few moments then massage the shot spot. This will help spread out that oil and alleviate some of the soreness. You might look like you’re doing a funny version of the chicken dance, but it definitely helps, especially when you’re doing these booty shots every night.

Check with your clinic to see if you can use a heating pad for a few minutes on the shot spot. Don’t use one on your front abdomen – you don’t want to overheat your precious embryo after your embryo transfer. I only did this a couple of times and for no longer than 5 minutes. 

Finally, reward yourself. Enjoy some chocolate or watch an episode of your favorite show. Write out or meditate on some fertility affirmations. Do something to keep yourself in a happy, positive head space.

RELATED: IVF Shot Tips

Congratulations!

Pat yourself on the back- you’re doing a great job! This is a difficult path, but it can also be very empowering. You are strong, courageous, and capable. You’ve got this!

Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and celebrating each win.

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my tips for stim shots if you’re just starting IVF or affirmations for embryo implantation if you’re in the two-week wait.

I’m sending you so much baby dust!

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