Intramuscular injection

An intramuscular injection delivers medicine deeper into a muscle, commonly the buttock or thigh, and is used for some fertility medicines such as certain progesterone preparations and some trigger injections. It typically uses a longer needle than a subcutaneous injection and is sometimes given by a partner, family member or nurse after specific training from the clinic. The treating clinic or its nursing team provides individual teaching on technique, site selection and safe handling for any medicine prescribed by this route; this should be followed precisely rather than general online guidance. Concerns such as significant pain, lumps, redness spreading from the injection site, or fever should be reported to the clinic promptly. Safe disposal of needles and syringes should follow the clinic's and pharmacist's instructions in line with local biomedical waste management rules.

Also known as: IM injection, intramuscular progesterone technique

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.