IVF Progesterone Shot Tips + Tricks For Less Pain & Lumps Intramuscular Injection | Dr Lora Shahi

[@KAlohaMa]

I just did my first ever PIO today and I’m so proud of myself for doing it. The silly bum diagram was honestly SO helpful because I totally was not sure about placement

[@monigingirpal6143]

Wow, did you do it yourself?

[@poggek]

That’s amazing! I’m sure it’s not easy to do and you should be proud!

[@surekhachavan9666]

Finally found someone explaining to deal with painful injections otherwise some of videos I watched those just saying tht "ivf injections are not painful..needle is very small n bla bla.." seriously for some progesterone injections are really hard to deal with.. those painful lump on both side..due to injections and medicines feeling of nausea daily 😢..

[@ElaineKempf]

How did you make it through all your shots? Just did my first one last night and so sad I have 8 more weeks

[@surekhachavan9666]

@@ElaineKempfsometime used heating pad , massage ,sometime used ice cubes..many times cried due to pain..don't know but dr said I was thin may be thts why it was more painful for me..not sure..

[@ElaineKempf]

@@surekhachavan9666 that’s how I feel today. The injection didn’t hurt but the soreness is really bad… I can’t imagine 8 weeks of this

[@surekhachavan9666]

@@ElaineKempf I used to count each passing day..yeah but once injection course complete injection site lump goes by itself..all the best..it will be ok soon..

[@Irisea]

This is so far the best video about IVF progesterone.

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you so much for watching ❤️

[@Irisea]

@@drlorashahine no, thank YOU! :) I work as an IVF coordinator and this is such a helpful video, so THANK YOU, sincerely!

[@LeahMurch]

I will be starting progesterone shots this month and am getting nervous the needles look so intimidating compared to the subcutaneous ones. But, thankfully I have an amazing husband who grew up on a dairy and has given thousands of shots!!! His confidence and experience makes me less nervous. Your tips were very helpful and in look forward to trying them all

[@drlorashahine]

You can do it!

[@Kuvyogkuvyaj]

How long do you have to take the PIO before you transfer?

[@natvepps]

I've been warming the progesterone up under my arm for about a minute before injecting. Goes in better and hurts less. My labs have been great so far.

[@drlorashahine]

Oh wow! I'm glad that works for you!

[@blaxicandansa]

Ohh that sounds good. You put it under your arm pit? I'll try that Saturday!

[@alannatolentino5513]

I will try this today. On my 5th day after transfered, so many knots, doesn't matter how much I massaged both sides, even bought 2 heat roller massager.

[@ElaineKempf]

Does warming the whole bottle affect the medication since it’s a multi use vial

[@lisaalapisa4235]

@@ElaineKempfYou’re not warming the bottle itself. Once you draw the progesterone you remove the drawing needle and place the syringe under the armpit or under breast. Once heated, remove the syringe, place the injecting needle on the syringe and proceed to give the shot.

[@hello1943]

God bless you. I’ve had to endure these. We switched manufacturers last time we got our script filled and are unfortunately stuck with the version of the shot I call “satan’s acid”. I used lidocaine, warmed up the area with a rice sock, and had my husband warm up the vial a bit in the crook of his elbow (recommended by another dr online). I went from screaming, bawling my eyes out, and involuntarily thrashing to get away from my husband to not feeling anything but slight pressure. I have a high pain tolerance, but this version kicked my butt (literally). The other one was fine, it’s just this one. Thank you; I wasn’t sure how I was going to get through these next two months without you. (I am doing IVF in Egypt, so for anyone reading this please don’t get scared. The other manufacturer in Egypt was perfectly fine, and I’m guessing the manufacturers in other countries are different.)

[@XC21ALiSoN]

Thank you for mentioning using heat instead of ice. The video my clinic had me watch from CVS Speciality said use ice but I have found your content more informative and useful

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you!

[@hidingoutonyoutube5255]

You're a wonderful teacher! Thank you so much for this helpful video

[@drlorashahine]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching ❤️❤️❤️

[@JuliaCarnevalliLueke]

Soooo helpful!! Thanks for this information. I am going through IVF in Brazil and currently living abroad. So many things I need to do by my own and this was one of my next step. I am super confident now doing the shot by my own. Thanks once more ✨

[@ligiagomyde]

Hey! Sou Brasileira tambem! And living here in US. Hope you are doing well. These videos are suuuper great! Just like you am enjoying a lot the tips from Dr.Lora.

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the best on your journey. Thanks for watching

[@dmclemens12]

I have been using Emu Oil afterwards for the itching. I was getting a really bad reaction at first so now I sit on a heating pad afterwards and apply emu oil throughout the day and it’s helped so much!

[@drlorashahine]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AnnemarieHopkins-p7z]

Thank you, this was very helpful! I’m starting week four of injections and it’s becoming harder for me but I’m hopeful your tips and tricks will make it easier. I also appreciate the drawing!

[@drlorashahine]

You’re welcome!

[@a241a]

Same here. These injections are terribly painful. 😢

[@hannahwarther7806]

How do we deal with the knots and pain after the IVF injections have been done days ago? I have knots and tons of pain. Massage somewhat helps, but man are they painful. Thanks!

[@kristenab5011]

This was very helpful. Thank you. I dont understand why these tips aren't given by my clinic when given instructions to take it. That makes me nad because it can help avoid more pain afterwards.

[@drlorashahine]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cseymour5431]

I love this! We got a Theragun to help massage the area (cause my hubby gives lame massages) I do estradiol and progesterone shots in the booty, these tips are a must!

[@drlorashahine]

Thanks for sharing that tip with the theragun!

[@JessicaLopez-kk1xs]

Thank you so much for posting this! I’m prepping to try for the second embryo transfer and tried asking the clinic if I could use a cream or something to numb the area because I’m still sore from the first failed transfer 3mos ago…they made it seem as if I’m sore because I didn’t inject myself correctly?? I just wanted to know how to get through this next round in a less painful way. This video was very helpful. Thank you.

[@Lilliandel]

Dear Dr Lora Haven’t some of these oil-based injections been removed from pharmacies recently due to cancer concerns?

[@TriptiSharma]

Started progesterone before 6th day of transfer and apart from severe pain, I also suffered with fever and nausea. My doctor then asked me to do suppositories which didn’t help much and ultimately my cycle was cancelled. It was heartbreaking. I am on my next cycle now and this time it will be natural cycle FET transfer. I am hoping things work out, this would be my third try. Thank you, if I have to take the injections again I would try the tricks..

[@caralovescorgis]

How did the natural transfer cycle go?

[@TriptiSharma]

@@caralovescorgis progesterone was low again, had to cancel the cycle again. Since then I haven’t got my periods to start with the new one. Did everything I could to get them but nothing. Still waiting.

[@annierose5100]

Can you talk about prometrium? And if you use it in your practice

[@isabelx6536]

Thank you for this great video. Can you provide a link to the tips for subcutaneous shots of progesterone? Thank you.

[@mayanksharma3560]

Hello Dr, My wife is undergoing the procedure. Thank you so much for all the great info provided by you. There are several lumps and painful areas on both sides by previous inj, any ways to deal with those. Thank you in advance. Regards

[@vinothperumal3416]

Hello Dr, realy thanks to u, very useful vedio who is suffering injection

[@drlorashahine]

Glad it was helpful - best wishes to you!

[@poggek]

Thank you so much for this video! ❤ I’m getting excited for transfer and nervous for the shots for sure

[@drlorashahine]

Good luck!!

[@humairazaka564]

I am 7 months pregnant and my doctor prescribed progesterone shots after every 10 days till the end of the pregnancy. Anyone went through the same situation? Can I inject on my arm muscle or only on buttocks?

[@elizabethbandola9068]

Thank you for the tips! Do you recommend using a foam roller for massaging the area afterward? I know those can be intense, but if it helps better than just a hand, I will embrace the foam roller.

[@MeowTX]

Do you think an autoinjector would help?

[@drlorashahine]

I haven’t tried that yet. That’s a great suggestion for me to explore.

[@kulpooja]

Thank you, this video is very helpful! Any tips for vaginal progesterone suppositories?

[@layziecai]

I know this is old, but I found that getting those vaginal suppository applicators from amazons helped lots for me

[@HCPF123]

Thank you, this was helpful. Any tips if you have to give them yourself? My husband does them but he has to travel for work so I am going to have to do some myself 🙈 Also if it normal to feel dizzy and weak for over an hour after injecting?

[@Judes876]

My clinic nurse told me I could do the shot in my thigh- bc I am doing it myself? Thoughts? I was thinking I would buy an auto injector and switch to the backside once I get that.

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you for watching ❤ ️ I'd advise you to ask your medical provider for answers to your personal situation, as I can't give personal medical advice on social media. I hope my content on my website drlorashahine.com can help - there you can find links to my books at amazon.com, KZbin channel, Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, blog, Instagram, Tiktok and more! Best wishes ❤️🤞🍍

[@rehanakhatumbra5882]

I am 110lb. Do I have to use 1.5inch length needle or I can use 1inch? I just started a week ago. Thank you.

[@drlorashahine]

That’s a great question - ask your medical team if you can switch❤️

[@cn2001chi]

I bought 1 inch needle, it’s much better for ppl with thin fat layer.

[@rehanakhatumbra5882]

@@cn2001chi that’s what I used too

[@ligiagomyde]

Dr. Lora THANK you, your videos as SOOO good. After 4 years, i am glad I found you, you came with lots of clear explanations and also new things. Progesterone is the hardest and longest time taking it (until 12 weeks) so we get super hurt with the time. But Now i am also taking Levenox on my belly everyday..... this now is the worse, hurts to take and keeps hurting for 2 minutes after..... if you have any tip. I will try warming up and see if for the belly is also good. Thank you!

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you so much for watching and joining our community. I would advise you to consult your medical provider, as I can't give medical advice to personal situations on social media. I have a lot of content on the subject on this channel, website drlorashahine.com, KZbin and Instagram account @drlorashahine that are great sources for you

[@marymcneill4209]

This was very helpful. Thank you so much! 🙏💝

[@drlorashahine]

You are so welcome!

[@redcarpetfly]

Thanks for the video!! This was very helpful. What is the name of those heated warming patches?

[@thesadboxman]

I'd like to know as well

[@abooknerd4904]

Aqueous form has same effectiveness as oil based progesterone injection?

[@caralovescorgis]

I’m really wondering about this too - the 32 countries where Prolutex is offered! I know it’s in phase 3 clinical trials in the US but feels like we are so behind.

[@claudiamansfield9027]

what is the numbing cream that is also heat. I use emla but thats not warm ?

[@febageorge525]

Hi, after I gave the intramuscular injection and pulled the needle out I saw that a bit of medication leaked out. Is this expected sometimes? Do you have any tips/recommendations regarding this?

[@Gracefullye]

Does it make a difference if I insert the needle at a 45 degree angle vs. 90 degree angle?

[@caralovescorgis]

Can I ask what those heat/numbing patches are called? And/or, if there is a specific brand or type of numbing cream you would recommend? I am also wondering your thoughts on automatic injectors when both my husband and me are not at all confident in doing this. Thank you!

[@drlorashahine]

I haven’t personally tried the automatic injectors so I can’t recommend but ask your doctor about them - they may be an option. Any numbing cream (a common one is lidocaine) can be helpful. Best wishes!

[@misbaha.mahmud3738]

Dr, a nurse did circle the area but I don’t know why I bleed after the shot, sometimes a lot sometimes less. Please let me know your thoughts

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you for watching. I would advise you to consult your medical provider, as I can't give medical advice to personal situations on social media. I have a lot of content on the subject on this channel, website drlorashahine.com, KZbin and Instagram account @drlorashahine that are great sources for you.

[@aaimay9149]

Is it okay to have heating pad after injection?

[@elenaruth9682]

Some of the IVF meds where I live come in the form of nasal sprays and suppositories.

[@IsmsbyJosie]

I should have looked for this video beforehand! 😅 Ah! I did my first shot and iced it first, heating pad after. Now I do have a soreness. Anyway to fix that? I ended up using the heat pad again after my delestrogen shot that night and massaging a bit.

[@thesadboxman]

What's the name of the numbing/heating patch you mention?

[@hessamt800]

Thank you Doc. You're awesome

[@MonicaUnger]

Can you provide any thoughts on the numbness in the upper buttock ( no pain or redness) just feels like your cheeks after a dental procedure ? My IVF clinic noted that is can be normal and will reside after stopping the injections. Really appreciated the helpful hint of relaxing the muscle vs tense - what a difference. Thanks !

[@glamhardbeauty4032]

This is how I’m feeling. Did it ever go away? I was told could be sciatica… maybe I hit the nerve.

[@mahsa33]

Any heating pad folks recommend that low setting is not too high ?

[@dv3674]

Do you offer natural cycle FET to patients with regular periods? Or you only offer medicated FET to all patients even to those that could be good candidates for natural cycle FET?

[@drlorashahine]

I review both options with patients ❤️

[@valtonn5030]

Thank you for this!

[@drlorashahine]

You’re welcome!!

[@courtneybryan2809]

What if I did one in the wrong spot? You’re diagram was really helpful but I’m worried. Just had my first FET today and trying to get it right!

[@drlorashahine]

Great question - ask your nurse to draw circles on you - if you can't get into clinic - do FaceTime video with the nurse and make sure it's in the right spot. You'll do great!

[@fusemore1059]

Hey doc can we do progesterone in our thigh? I am doing ivf by myself and I feel like I can better access my thigh vs my backside

[@drlorashahine]

Talk to your medical team about that option. Best wishes to you!

[@soohunchun3788]

Hi Doc thank you so much for the video. Can you give injection lying supine position? Or does it have to be given standing?

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you for watching! I have a lot of content on the subject on this channel, website drlorashahine.com and Instagram account @drlorashahine that are great sources for you

[@nightingale1111]

Did you all find an answer to this one? I looked on the website resources, but could not find a post about it.

[@doctorkavimd4065]

Hi Dr Shahine, I developed itchy rashes all over my body, with high dose progesterone protocol (100 mg daily IM injection). I have developed progesterone hypersensitivity to high doses exogenous progesterone. This is after FET cycle. Do you have any experience with that? I developed these rashes during 5th week of pregnancy> I am now week 6 and I am going in for my ultrasound in 2 days. I am afraid this may have caused a negative effect on my ongoing pregnancy. Will find out soon.

[@drlorashahine]

There can definitely be some trouble shooting when patients have reactions to medications - switching the delivery system of the progesterone (the oil) can be helpful - options differ from pharmacy and country but sesame, olive, ethyl oleate, etc

[@joaomelo8562]

What happens if you don't notice and inject in a area that has blood ?

[@drlorashahine]

You’ll likely get a bruise but the medication will still work! Thank you for watching

[@StarlineHodge]

does this advice work for the trigger shot as well?

[@drlorashahine]

Yes! Review with your clinic but these tips should help with any shots.

[@chipflorida]

the area is different than the my fertility center explained, they said below the level of the crack… hmm

[@brittanymiles179]

My injection sites on my butt are getting so painful. Can I start doing injections in other large muscle groups?

[@drlorashahine]

This is a great question. I would advise you to consult your medical provider, as I can't give medical advice to personal situations on social media. I have a lot of content on the subject on this channel, website drlorashahine.com, KZbin and Instagram account @drlorashahine that are great sources for you

[@olliesbullies]

Hi Dr Lora, great video! I have a question, my office ran out of the 1.5 inch intramuscular and gave me the 1 inch instead. Is that still big enough to go into the muscle? Thank you

[@drlorashahine]

This is a great question. I would advise you to consult your medical provider, as I can't give medical advice to personal situations on social media. I have a lot of content on the subject on this channel, website drlorashahine.com, KZbin and Instagram account @drlorashahine that are great sources for you

[@yessykacarrero5128]

Did you find out?

[@priyguha]

Hello doc, I am getting a fever from the progesterone in sesame oil injections, have you seen this with other patients? Will switching to ethyl oleate help?

[@drlorashahine]

This is a great question. I would advise you to consult your medical provider, as I can't give medical advice to personal situations on social media. I have a lot of content on the subject on this channel, website drlorashahine.com, KZbin and Instagram account @drlorashahine that are great sources for you

[@snay6446]

My doctor gave me 27G 1/2 inch needle for my PIO injections. But i know this needle is too small. What size needle would you recommended?

[@jordanakeffer8356]

My needles are 18 gauge and 2 inch long. Not a doctor, but that's what my doctor wrote for me. I draw the progesterone with a 24g needle though

[@snay6446]

Thank you. I ended up using 27G but 1.5inch needle (longer needle) which worked better for me. It was much finer but as long as I warmed the PIO to body temperature (using my under arm) then it didn't hurt and I didn't get any lumps

[@shiarakellyn5596]

Hi doctor, Came across your video and it was useful. However i have pain after the injection like muscle sore pain. How do i deal with that I tried using heatpad..

[@drlorashahine]

Try the tips listed here - heat, massage - make sure and talk to your medical team if you're still sore - best wishes

[@dafangchai7326]

Thank you so much for the tips. I think I can do the right side by myself. How to do it on the left side and get 90 degree? Feel like I need to use left hand for left side. But I’m right handed. Any suggestions to solve this?

[@drlorashahine]

This is a great question. I would advise you to consult your medical provider, as I can't give medical advice to personal situations on social media. I have a lot of content on the subject on this channel, website drlorashahine.com, KZbin and Instagram account @drlorashahine that are great sources for you

[@jackiemesa5574]

I felt the ice numbs the area so it doesn’t hurt. The doc gave me numbing cream didn’t work. I heat right after but one of my sides is getting a lump and sore

[@meenukaur4797]

What to do on the lumps that have already been formed due to the injection, suggestions that i receive is to use ice on them

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you for sharing your tip Meenu.

[@hellepedersen4599]

What about giving the injections also in the deltoid area??

[@drlorashahine]

I would advise you ask your clinic about recommendations

[@evangelineyoung8663]

I’ve been icing the area for the pain.

[@written579]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@drlorashahine]

I'm so glad it was Jaye! Thank you for watching!

[@Renuka20]

Do I have to do the injections exactly at the same time every day?

[@drlorashahine]

Try to stay close - I recommend within an hour

[@sihamefaraji]

Hi doctor my transfer in 2 days, how many days of rest i have to take, because my job is most of the time standing

[@drlorashahine]

Most people have a restful evening the day of the transfer and the day after if possible then back to regular activity. There is no clear evidence that taking time off improves success rates but I love any excuse for self care. Ask your doctor for personal recommendations for you. Best wishes!

[@kavithanagaraj3266]

Can we give heat pad after embryo transfer to reduce the small lump the heat wont affect the embryo mam

[@drlorashahine]

Heat to your injection site ok❤️❤️❤️

[@kavithanagaraj3266]

@@drlorashahine thank you so much mam

[@radhikapalve4112]

What should I do if I have lump after inj progesterone

[@drlorashahine]

I'd advise you to ask your medical provider for answers to your personal situation, as I can't give personal medical advice on social media. I hope my content on my website drlorashahine.com can help - there you can find links to my books at amazon.com, KZbin channel, Baby or Bust Fertility podcast, blog, Instagram, Tiktok and more! Best wishes ❤️🤞🍍

[@mishsali4044]

Hi its my first time here. I got lumps after my progesterone shot, how can i get rid of it? Please help. Thanks

[@drlorashahine]

Massage and heat can help. They will eventually go away

[@Natta19S]

What numbing cream do you recommend?

[@drlorashahine]

There are many options but your doctor could prescribe a lidocaine cream or ointment that can help. Thank you for watching!

[@jenniferfelix1425]

Thank you so much for posting this!

[@drlorashahine]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.

[@chinwemaduka2430]

Thanks. 😊

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@Babystahp95]

Thankyou

[@Rosesfordays]

I had to have IM progesterone injections for 8 years, 4 times a month. I havnt had one in 3 years but I just now noticed that there is a hard lump where I used to get them. I have skin that scars easily and healing can be slow for my compromised immune system. Is it possible that I could have a permanent lump from those injections? I am having it checked out next week. I am worried it isn't from the shots and it could be cancer. What is the likelihood that it could just be scar tissue? I always had lumps from them while still taking them.

[@drlorashahine]

The inflammatory reaction from shots is typically temporary. Not sure for your particular situation. Glad you’re getting a check up.

[@Rosesfordays]

thank you for your response. I appreciate it.

[@sooha1341]

How long should i massage on injection site?

[@drlorashahine]

Just a few minutes to distribute the medication through the muscle. I hope these tips help❤️

[@sooha1341]

Thank you,I massaged on it,but it still so sore and hardened

[@namiellame4488]

I’m using the auto injector with my husband helping me. But I bleed every time. Why is that happening? How to avoid?

[@drlorashahine]

Some bleeding can occur but take the injector into clinic at your next visit and review with your team. Best wishes!!

[@TheMelylove21]

I been using lidocaine before my injections and feel nothing

[@cherlenedelgado9604]

Which cream are you using ? Thank you

[@sandeeph1572]

Educative

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you!

[@lucerohernandez7827]

I went in today and they said they couldn’t draw circles on us anymore

[@drlorashahine]

Shoot - my patients find this helpful

[@alexiazisopoulou1119]

Sß

[@ThuNguyen-ls9kn]

Great info! Thanks Doctor!

[@drlorashahine]

Thank you!