Injectable fertility medications: Yes, you can do it!
When our patients begin IVF treatment, the process can often feel a little daunting. Managing blood tests, ultrasounds and medicine routines can become a full-time job. To make things a little easier, David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, our Northern Louisiana fertility practice expert, would like to offer tips for managing your injectable fertility medications.
Why do we use injectable fertility medications?
Just as no two patients are identical, no two treatment plans are exactly alike. For women who don’t respond well to oral medications or those undergoing IVF treatment, Dr. Vandermolen typically prescribes injectable medications. By utilizing injectables, we can stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs per cycle, which increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Recommendations for managing your medication protocols
If you haven’t administered injectable medications before, you may feel overwhelmed by this task. Our skilled clinicians will provide detailed instructions, walk you through the whole process, and answer any questions that arise. Consider these helpful tips for injectable fertility medications.
- Review the materials and directions you receive from the clinic staff before you start taking the medication.
- Practice injection techniques ahead of time, so that you feel more confident in your abilities.
- Create a schedule to ensure you receive your medication at the designated time. If necessary, set an alarm as a reminder.
- Find a sanitary, quiet place to administer the medication, and thoroughly wash your hands.
- Lay out all your supplies, including alcohol swabs, syringes, medicine and disposal container, so that you have everything in one spot.
- Stay within the suggested injection areas for optimal results, and rotate shot sites to prevent irritation and swelling.
- Ice the area afterward to minimize any discomfort.
- Recruit your partner or a friend if you feel nervous about giving yourself the shots.
- Call our office if you have unusual reactions.
Our entire team is here to offer unwavering support to hopeful parents through every step of their journey, including walking you through the process of IVF treatment and self-administering injectable fertility medications. From uncovering fertility problems to creating a personalized treatment plan, Dr. Vandermolen assists our patients in fulfilling their dreams of parenthood. Contact our office for more information about fertility services options or to schedule a consultation appointment with our Northern Louisiana fertility practice expert.