PIO needle size and does it make a difference?

FuzzyDust · September 2017

So I've read a lot of old posts, and it looks that majority of the people use 22G 1.5 inch needles for their PIO injections.
Last might I checked my needles, and they are 21G. I also heard of many people using ice to numb the area, but also that some RE say it's a bad idea, as it might mess with absorption (even if the oil is warmed up, it can get more solid once injected into the cold area)

My DH does the shots on me, but I use some numbing cream every time (put a little indies a water-proof bandage and slap in on for an hour prior to injection), and it really helps. However, I didn't really ask my RE if that's safe to use every day (and on the same area) for this long, so I'm considering my other options, just in case.

I wonder if the smaller needle (22G instead of 21G) would make a difference. I actually heard that thicker needle might be even better, since it's easier to pump the oil through, but does it make any difference during the time the needle goes in?

Looking forward to hear you experience with it, and if you tried different size needles.

sarcasticowl · September 2017

Hey @FuzzyDust I would think that a 1 gauge difference wouldn't change the way the needle feels to an extent that you'd notice. I could totally be wrong, but I wouldn't worry too much unless you're in a good deal of pain. I personally never had any issues with the PIO (I use 22g). I warm up the oil before the injection but have never iced. Every once in awhile my husband gets me in a spot that hurt for a few seconds, but I was usually okay until the next day when I felt like I'd worked out too hard or something. Using numbing cream is a new one for me - I've never heard of anyone doing that, but if it works for you, great! I just always assumed numbing cream only numbed the skin and the real issue with the PIO is how deep it needs to go into the muscle, not really that initial 'prick.' Let us know if you do change needle gauges, though. I'd be interested to hear if it helps!

FuzzyDust · September 2017

@sarcasticowl - It actually hasn't really hurt inside until yesterday. I think as I do more shots in the same area, the muscle under is getting more and more sore. And DH is being a sniper - purposely aiming for exact same spot every time

And yes, the numbing cream only numbs the outer layer, where the prick happens. I must be a cry baby, that that's the scary part for me. I'm going to ask my nurse about the safety of the cream when they call me with Beta results (probably not until next Monday).

JamieH2000 · September 2017

@fuzzydust- I actually switched the two needles the first few times I did PIO (so injected with the big one used to draw) and I didn't have any issues. Surprisingly it didn't hurt any worse than the smaller ones. I have seen some ladies ice, but I also haven't from fear that it can create lumps since the progesterone doesn't dissipate as much. I think your DH needs to space the injections as far apart as he can, still being within the circles. have you tried doing alot of rubbing and heat pads after? That seems to help too!

FuzzyDust · September 2017

Thanks, @JamieH200, for the info! Good to hear that the needles gauge doesn't affect the pain much! My draw needle is 18G - it looks HUGE! Wow, can't believe you were brave enough to use drawing needle for injections!
I told DH after the last one to please try to leave at least 1cm space between the new and the old spot. He tried rubbing 2 days ago, but I felt like it made me bleed a bit more at the site of injection. Yesterday he tried just pressing hard a few time, and it felt quite sore, but bled less - just a small red dot.

JamieH2000 · September 2017

@fuzzydust- did you nurse draw circle where you are supposed to inject? Alot of ladies do them a little too low sometimes. Bleeding should be really minimal unless you hit a vein (which is rare for most), so if yours are bleeding most times maybe double check you are doing them in the right area? The 18G was huge but I thought the bigger the number, the bigger the gauge and it said to inject with the 22G.. so definitely my fault and i realized it after 2 nights!

cseley321 · September 2017

@JamieH2000 haha, I did the same thing for like a week. I had the smaller needles stored away and forgot about them

prudence9-2 · September 2017

I use the 21G as my draw and 22G to inject. I don’t think ice prior is good because the muscle will be more stiff.

I do the injection with no icing of the spot or warming of the PIO. But after the injection I put heat pad on my butt.

Back in August when I used it I had crazy reactions to it. So I would do the injection in the morning, followed by heat pad. But then at night I’d put ice patch on my butt.

rachel2107 · September 2017

@FuzzyDust I actually used a 25 g needle which most people avoid because it takes longer for the oil to be pushed through. I preferred that over a larger needle gauge like the 22.

FuzzyDust · September 2017

JamieH2000 I had a nurse draw a circle for my trigger shot for IVF, so I kinda remember where they were. Also, someone mentioned on this forum earlier - the way you find the spot is putting your thumb on a hip bone, and then extending fingers all the way around, parallel to the floor, and then inject where the index finger hits - it was exactly where I was marking it for DH! Since I use a bandage with numbing cream for an hour prior, he has nice bandage imprint to aim at!
The bleeding is minimal, just a little drop once the needle is out.

prudence9-2, I like the heat pad idea. I currently use my DH as a heat pad, since we do it right before the bed, and then I tuck my injection site into his warm belly

rachel2107, have you tried the 22G? Did it feel different from the 25G?

PIO needle size and does it make a difference?

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