Progesterone in Oil
Storage Instructions
Is a progesterone injection, which helps to prepare the uterus for embryo implantation and support pregnancy once implantation has occurred.
Store at room temperature (68-77°F). Do not refrigerate.
Description
Progesterone, one of the reproductive hormones, is needed to increase the receptivity of your endometrium for implantation of an embryo and is used as part of an assisted reproductive technology (ART).
How to use Progesterone in Oil
Here are step-by-step instructions for administering an intramuscular progesterone injection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and make sure the surface you work on is clean.
- Use an alcohol swab to cleanse the rubber stoppers of the progesterone medication.
- Using the 3cc syringe with a 1½ inch needle, pull back on the plunger to the 1cc mark.
- Pierce the rubber stopper of the progesterone vial. Inject 1cc of air into the vial.
- Turn the vial upside down, making sure the tip of the needle is below the fluid level. Withdraw the dosage ordered. Progesterone is an oil. It will pull into the syringe more slowly than sterile water does as when you use your other fertility medications.
- Pull out the needle and replace the cap. Pull back on the plunger to clear the needle of any medication. Remove the needle from the syringe and replace with a new 1½ inch needle.
- With the needle pointing toward the ceiling, flick the side of the syringe to disperse the air bubbles and the air pocket at the top of the syringe, then gently push the plunger to eliminate any air until you expel one or two drops of liquid from the tip of the needle.
- Gently push on plunger until air pocket is gone and expel a drop of liquid
How to Give Subcutaneous Injection
There are three places that a subcutaneous injection may be given: the abdomen, the thigh, or the back of your arm as shown here
- Select your injection site (the abdomen is preferred)
- Cleanse the area with alcohol and let dry. Do not blow on it.
- Take a pinch of the fatty tissue you have cleansed. The injection is given here.
- Hold the syringe like a pencil or a dart approximately 1 inch away from the skin.
- Insert the needle quickly (not hard), with one fluid motion, into the skin.
- Let go of the pinch of skin. Depress the plunger and inject all of the medication. Pull the needle straight out.
- Apply pressure to the injection site with a sterile gauze pad.
- Never reuse needles or syringes.
- Dispose of the syringe in a biohazard container such as a Sharps container – or in a sealable, unbreakable plastic container such as a laundry detergent bottle.
Please be aware that some of these instructions may vary based on your particular situation or preference.
Instructional Video
