4 Expert Tips for Navigating Needle Fear During Fertility Treatments
A friend of mine who recently went through IVF (successfully after many cycles- yay!!) would show me her belly, covered in purple bruises. I was shocked.
Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Thimble Health
4 Expert Tips for Navigating Needle Fear During Fertility Treatments
I’m a doctor and I know the bruising, swelling, and soreness that needles can cause, but it hit me hard when I saw how little space was left with normal skin tone. “Seeing the skin discoloration always brought on another level of anxiety even though I knew it was just temporary” she told me. There’s more we need to do here and we can and we will improve this.
You’re embarking on a journey to bring a baby into the world that I can only assume to be beautiful, gut wrenching, awe inspiring, and challenging. And in come the needles, as if it weren’t hard enough already. Your fertility doctor will provide you with tips on how to get through it all. But if you find yourself consulting Dr. Google on how to alleviate fear and/or pain, you’ve come to the right place.
Tip 1 - Know yourself. Needle anxiety comes in many forms. Does the idea of injecting yourself send you into a tailspin of anxiety? Or does the lack of control of having someone else administer the injection make your stomach turn? Getting specific about your fear will help the conversation with your doctor and lead to better coping strategies.
Tip 2 - Talk it out. You might think needle fear is unusual or embarrassing but it’s a common and shared experience, especially among this community. In fact, a recent study showed that 63.2% of adults fear needles! Find people you trust - friends, family, or an instagram bestie on a similar journey.
Tip 3 - Prep the skin. Treating the pain can significantly decrease fear in the face of needles. Ask your doctor if an anesthetic cream is available (stronger varieties require a prescription). You can also numb the skin with ice or a cold spray at home. Another trick I often share with my patients is to have a partner, caregiver, or friend lightly pinch somewhere else on the body during the injection. Distraction can be really helpful because the brain likes to focus on one thing at a time.
Tip 4 - After care. You did it. And now you might have the purple badge of honor and sore belly to prove it. What now? If it doesn’t bother you, nothing! If it does, there are options available. The Recover patch from Thimble has turmeric and arnica to reduce soreness, swelling and bruising from needles. It’s applied like a bandage and can be left on for 24-48 hours (even through showers). It’s available at https://thimblehealth.com/products/recover and 20% with code IVFWARRIOR.
I launched Thimble to help ease pain and fear from needle procedures. And, in my opinion, self injection and fertility treatments can be some of the toughest. More than anything, know that you are not alone.
Sources: Alsbrooks K, Hoerauf K. Prevalence, causes, impacts, and management of needle phobia: An international survey of a general adult population. PLoS One. 2022 Nov 21;17(11):e0276814. )
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional 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 in this blog.