Subcutaneous injection

A subcutaneous injection delivers medicine into the layer of fat just beneath the skin, commonly used for many fertility medicines including gonadotropins, GnRH antagonists and some trigger injections. It is generally described by clinics as easier to self-administer than an intramuscular injection because it uses a shorter, finer needle. The fertility clinic or nursing team provides hands-on teaching on the specific technique, injection sites and rotation for the medicines prescribed, and this guidance should always be followed rather than general information from other sources. Any pain, unexpected bruising, redness or swelling at an injection site should be reported to the clinic. Used needles and other sharps should be disposed of safely, as advised by the clinic and pharmacist, in line with local biomedical waste rules.

Also known as: subcutaneous injection technique, SC injection

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.