Starting IVF injections? You’re not alone. 💛
We know that injecting yourself with medication for the first time can feel daunting. It’s totally normal to feel nervous, overwhelmed, or just unsure of what to expect. But here’s the good news—you’re not the first to go through this, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We asked our amazing Instagram community, to share their top tips for getting through IVF injections, and the response was incredible. From practical advice to small tricks that make a big difference, these are real suggestions from real people who’ve been there.
Whether you’re about to start, in the middle of it, or supporting someone who is, we hope these tips help make things just a little easier.
Tip 1. Check online to see if there are any ‘medication teach’ videos, then watch them on loop!
If you’re feeling unsure about how to do your injections, watching medication teach videos can help so much. Seeing someone else go through the steps makes it feel more manageable. Watch them as many times as you need—sometimes just knowing what to expect makes all the difference in feeling more confident when it’s time to do it yourself.
Follow The Evewell Nurses on YouTube for more top tips on how to inject yourself with IVF meds.
Tip 2. Set alarms with the medication name, so you know exactly when to take each one.
With different medications at different times, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Setting alarms with the exact name of the medication helps you stay organised, so there’s no second-guessing. It’s one less thing to keep in your head, and it ensures you stay on track. You’re already doing so much—let your phone help take some of the pressure off.
Tip 3. Make sure you’ve got all your medications and needles etc. before you start your first injection.
The last thing you want is to be mid-injection and realise you’re missing something important. Before you start, lay everything out—medications, needles, alcohol swabs, and anything else you need. Having it all in front of you helps you feel more in control and makes the whole process run much more smoothly. Preparation is key!
Tip 4. Give yourself plenty of time and don’t rush it.
It’s so easy to want to get injections over with as quickly as possible, but taking your time makes all the difference. Find a calm, quiet space, take a few deep breaths, and go at a pace that feels right for you. Rushing can make it feel more stressful—giving yourself extra time means you can feel more in control.
Tip 5. Make a note which side you inject on for next time, then alternate.
Rotating injection sites is important to prevent discomfort and bruising, but it’s easy to forget where you last injected. A quick note in your phone or on a calendar means you don’t have to rely on memory. It may seem like a small thing, but alternating sites can really help with soreness over time.
Tip 6. Pop a teaspoon in the freezer and use it to numb the injection site for a few minutes before.
If injections sting or you feel anxious, numbing the area beforehand can really help. A frozen teaspoon is a quick, easy trick—just hold it against your skin for a minute or two before injecting. It’s a simple way to make the process a little more comfortable, especially if you’re feeling extra sensitive.
Tip 7. Get some Elma Cream from a pharmacy to help numb the skin for a short period.
If you’re nervous about the pain, numbing cream can be a lifesaver. Apply it about 30 minutes before injecting, and it helps dull the sensation. It won’t take away all the discomfort, but it definitely takes the edge off. If injections feel daunting, using a little numbing cream can make it feel a lot more manageable.
Tip 8. Find the fattiest area, squeeze it and inject there.
Finding the right spot for injections makes a big difference. The tummy and upper thigh usually work best—pinching the skin slightly can help create a better area for injecting. It might take a bit of trial and error to find what feels most comfortable for you, but once you do, it becomes so much easier.
Tip 9. Press down with a cotton wool pad after injecting to stop any bleeding and help prevent bruising.
If you notice a little bleeding or bruising after an injection, pressing down on the area can really help. Just apply gentle pressure with a cotton pad for a few seconds—it helps stop bleeding and reduces bruising. Avoid rubbing, though, as that can make the bruising worse. A simple step, but it makes a difference!
Tip 10. For progesterone oil injections, heat the area before and after.
Progesterone oil is thick, which can make injections uncomfortable. Warming the area before injecting can help the oil go in more smoothly, and applying heat afterwards can help it absorb better. A heating pad or warm flannel works well. Some people also find that gently massaging the area afterwards helps prevent soreness.
Tip 11. Use a clean Tupperware for injections when out and about to avoid unclean surfaces.
If you ever need to do an injection while you’re out, having a little kit with everything you need is a game-changer. A clean Tupperware keeps your medications, syringes, and alcohol swabs organised and hygienic. It’s a simple trick that makes injecting on the go much easier and helps you feel more prepared wherever you are.
Tip 12. Ask your partner to help you prep, so it feels more like a partnership.
You don’t have to do this alone, even if you’re having treatment without a partner. Letting your partner (or a friend!) help with prep – or even just being there with you – can make it feel like a shared journey, rather than something you have to get through on your own.
Tip 13. Have something nice ready as a treat for getting through it!
IVF injections aren’t easy, and you deserve something to look forward to. Whether it’s a piece of chocolate, a favourite show, or just a quiet moment to yourself afterwards, having a little treat can make it all feel a bit more manageable. You’re doing something amazing—be kind to yourself in the process.
Tip 14. However much you dread them, remember it’s a means to an end and focus on the goal.
Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. Just remind yourself why you’re doing this. Every single injection is a step toward your goal. When it feels tough, take a deep breath, lean on your support system, and remember you’re stronger than you think, and you’re not alone in this.
Follow The Evewell Nurses on YouTube for more top tips on how to inject yourself with IVF meds.
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