A key aspect of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are the medications used via injection to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
If you're scared of needles but committed to becoming a surrogate, you're not alone—and you can make it through IVF injections successfully.
Overcoming this challenge will bring you one step closer to the joy of helping intended parents start their family. With the right support, preparation and some simple coping techniques, your surrogacy journey doesn’t have to be defined by your fear of needles.
Becoming a surrogate gives the intended parent(s) you match with the opportunity to live out their dreams of experiencing parenthood. It’s a life-changing gift.
If you have concerns about IVF and the needles used with the injections, knowing the ins and outs of the process can clarify why they’re necessary. Get in touch with us today to be connected with fertility clinics that can answer all of your questions about IVF injections.
This article will take a look at everything that revolves around needles and the part they play in this journey.
How to Make IVF Needles Less Painful
In order to make IVF needles less painful, knowing the type of injection can help determine how to do so.
There are two types of injections, subcutaneous and intramuscular.
Most of the fertility medications used are administered via subcutaneous injection, meaning it’s injected into a layer of tissue between your skin and muscle. There are general things you can do to make the injections less painful such as:
- Using deep breathing techniques to release any tension before and during the injection.
- Injecting the medication in a different spot each time to reduce the risk of common side effects.
There are also different techniques you can use for each type of injection. To make subcutaneous injections less painful, try:
Numbing the area before injection with ice or a topical numbing agent Pinch the skin together where the injection is administered Ice the area after the injections
For intramuscular injections you can:
- Relax the muscle
- Warm the medication by holding the vial in your hand
- Apply a heat pack to the injection site
- Massage the injection site to help distribute the medication
Self-care and Overcoming Your Fear of IVF Needles
Although you may not like the IVF needles and injections required, remember that this brave, selfless decision you’ve made is helping others live out their dreams.
You should feel proud about your courage to step up to the plate and help others experience something they wouldn’t be able to without your help.
Just like there is a schedule for the injections, you can add another aspect to that schedule; taking some time for yourself and relaxing.
That could be some time on the couch with the book you’re reading, a sweet treat or your comfort show on the TV. Self-care is important throughout this process and having something to look forward to after the injections can help make it easier.
IVF Injections for Surrogates
In a naturally occurring pregnancy, the body produces a number of hormones that help lead to a pregnancy.
When it comes to surrogacy, medications are required to recreate that natural process in your body with supplemental hormones and other medications.
As a gestational carrier, the key difference is that the your eggs are not being collected, so you will not get the same ovulation stimulation shots that someone undergoing IVF using their own eggs does.
You will, however, usually receive hormones to help synchronize your cycle for the embryo transfer.
Common examples of medications used with surrogacy are:
Lupron
Lupron is a subcutaneous injection and is done every day for three weeks.
It stops your natural cycle from interfering with surrogacy by stopping the release of hormones that control your cycle. Lupron temporarily stops your ovaries to prevent premature ovulation.
Progesterone
Progesterone is an intramuscular injection, done daily for two to three months.
This is the hormone produced by the ovaries after ovulation. Once the uterine lining is thick enough, you will take progesterone supplements to prepare your uterus for embryo implantation. This hormone signals the uterus to begin producing nutrients needed to support the embryo.
How Big Are IVF Needles?
Many of the IVF injections are injected into the fatty tissue under the surface of the skin.
Depending on the injection needed, the needles used can differ in length and diameter as some may need to penetrate a muscle layer while others may not.
For subcutaneous injections, needles are usually .5 inches in length with a 27, 28 or 30 gauge. The gauge refers to the diameter, or thickness of the needle. The higher the number, the thinner the needle.
An intramuscular injection is usually 1.5 inches long with a 21, 22 or 25 gauge.
Why are IVF Needles so Big?
The size of the needle changes based on the type of injections you need. With intramuscular injections, a bigger needle is typically needed because muscle is harder to reach than the subcutaneous injections. Penetrating muscle vs. tissue is more difficult with a smaller needle.
Beyond the compensation you can earn, surrogacy offers you a multitude of feelings that you can experience when choosing to make the dreams of parenthood come true with the intended parents you match with. Find out more about how to become a surrogate by contacting us online.