IVF is proving challenging, so I lean on some helpful tips

I’m currently in the process of frozen embryo transfer, which is usually the second half of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. Because I have both Cushing’s disease and polycystic ovary syndrome, having children naturally would’ve been a huge struggle, so my husband and I leaned into IVF. We did our egg retrieval in 2024.

To prepare for a frozen embryo transfer, I have to take estrogen, which in my case comes in the form of estradiol pills. Then there are shots of intramuscular progesterone in oil. The needles for these shots are quite long, and even though I feel I’ve mastered needles through the constant blood work I need to manage Cushing’s disease, I was still scared as I stared down a needle longer than my finger.

The entire process has been immensely stressful. Without my Cushing’s medication, which I had to stop taking to conceive a child, I’m anxious and tired, and adding estrogen and progesterone has only made me more paranoid. Every time something goes even a little wrong, I’ve been filled with endless dread and contemplation of the “what ifs.” So I’m working to make this process as easy as possible.

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By researching what others have gone through during this process, I discovered the key to making these shots easier: heat. Oil is naturally cold, and even though it’s stored at room temperature, if it goes into the body cold, it’s going to hurt. These needles go deep into muscles, so they can also cause knots, which is a problem I’ve dealt with. Thankfully, because of my Cushing’s disease, I have multiple heating pads, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines, and hand massagers to help.

Here’s where the trick comes in: We put the needle under my armpit to warm it to my body temperature. I do that for about 10 minutes before we (whoever is helping me that day) quickly insert the thin needle into my muscle to administer the meds.

I use heat before and after administering the shot, and if I feel any knots, I use my other machines. In a way, I’m grateful for Cushing’s, because it’s prepared me for just about anything. I’m relatively comfortable with shots, I know how to tackle knots, and I’m prepared to listen to what my body needs.

Having a routine helps me with my nerves, and prepping the needle has helped calm me a bit. My body has been aching because of all the medication changes, but I’m happy that I have solutions on hand.

I find IVF to be incredibly overwhelming, frustrating, and scary, and having a cortisol-related illness on top of it is especially stressful. But these tips make it a little bit easier to tackle. If you’re going through IVF, too, I’d love to hear about other tips you might have in the comments below.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.