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One of the topics I stumbled upon the most while preparing for IVF, was these Progesterone in Oil (PIO) shots. If you’ve found yourself staring at that tiny bottle of oil, wondering how to survive weeks (hopefully!) of intramuscular injections, I’m here to help. From must-have products to tips for easing the pain and bruising, this guide will arm you with everything you need to make the process as smooth and painless as possible! Whether you’re gearing up for your first injection or are in the thick of it, let’s take on this part of the journey together.
Tip #1: Find a position for the shot that works for you! During our first round, I laid on the bed for the injections like I had seen so many others do online. I ended up with painful knots and a booty so sore I could barely walk. I actually found that standing, with my weight on the leg NOT receiving the injection, works best for me pain-wise. Try out a few different positions and choose your favorite!
Tip #2: Ice the area with a small ice pack for a couple minutes before the injection. I’ve found that anything from 1 to 5 minutes helps, depending on how much time we have. This helps take away the sting of the needle going in.
Tip #3: While icing the injection area, prep the syringe and hold it in your hand (making a somewhat tight fist) for those 1 to 5 minutes to help warm the oil which makes it go in easier.
Tip #4: Rub the area a bit right after the injection to help disperse the oil.
Tip #5: If soreness or knots do happen, I use this massager to help ease the discomfort.
By now, you know that PIO shots aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’re a powerful step toward your goal – a healthy pregnancy. With the right tools, tips, and a little self-care, you can make this part of your IVF process manageable. I hope this guide has given you some confidence and comfort, knowing you’re not alone in the journey. If you have your own tried-and-true tips or favorite products, drop them in the comments – I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! And remember, every shot is one step closer to your dream. You’ve got this!
