shots

[kimmark]

My husband and I are looking into having ivf but im totally scared about having all these shots at home .How long does the shots last and how many?????????

[lmcrt]

I have started my IVF journey with Lupron given daily  with a small insulin needle in the tummy. Doesn't hurt at all just a little weird to stick a needle in yourself at first, and I'm a healthcare worker and stick needles in people everyday. Next I will give myself a second shot daily in the tummy of mixed menapur and bravelle powders along with the lupron this lasts for about 2 weeks. Once there are enough eggs matured to retrieve I give myself an HCG shot in the butt. This in 36hrs go for the retrieval after the retrieval I have to start taking  a z-pak and medrol(steriod). The steriod is used so the body doesn't reject the eggs. Also after retrieval I jave to start yet another shot but the last one of progesterone in oil. This will be the worst one going into my butt with a rather large needle. Not excited at all about this one. And if I become preggers I have to cont. it for 12weeks. Also I have to wear a estrogen patch daily after retrieval. Its alot to endure but I am hoping worth it if this all works out.

[IsabelleCanada]

The shots suck and unless your a nurse or a doctor, nobody likes them, especially when you're doing it by choice I guess (I mean that it's not a question of life or death)

But there comes a time, when infertility seems to be a reality and not just a bad dream, when ANYTHING that gives you hope is a good thing. I think it's a long process but trust me, cry and wait long enough for that child that you long for and the shots will become acceptable AND bearable.

[Arlotheslug]

Did I like the shots - No.  I was sick of soooo many.  

Did they hurt - Generally no, but by the end I did have some tummy bruises.  

DH gave me all of the shots.  I am a wuss.  

In the end, it is absolutely worth it - if there is a BFP.  And I think you forget about it.  I am going for a second IVF attempt.  My first was stopped short due to a poor reaction to the drugs.  I am starting a new protocal in November.  

Good Luck!  

[kele1129]

There are a lot of shots involved, I was fortunate that I did not have the progesterone shots but the suppositories instead.  Once you find the right way to give yourself the shots it is a breeze and I agree with Sarge...in 18 weeks we will have a baby boy and the shots are a distant memory.

[kaprovea]

I have to tell you I was deathly afraid of needles before I stared IVF.  Now I don't really mind needles.  I have done two fresh cycle and am going to be starting a FET cycle soon so I have had quite a few shots.  I can say that some did hurt but I am not that afraid of needles now.  I did all my shots myself.

[chacha0909]

soooooooo many! I can't even remember and some hurt too. Sorry but it's the truth. Especially the one which was a combination of powder and liquid.. ouch! it stung so bad!

[sarge1]

well, I have to be honest here:  it all depends on your medication protocol, but for my third IVF, I decided to count how many times I got "stuck", including shots and blood tests, and the end result was 282. Shots start at the beginning of your cycle, and, depending on what shots you are on, can go on until you are 12 weeks pregnant and beyond. I was on Progesterone (2x/day) and Heparin until 12 weeks. Sorry if this scares you-luckily for me it didn't bother me at all, but it's something to consider if you are really scared and are considering IVF. Would it help you to know that my baby boy is due in 3 days, and the shots are a distant memory?