Does Progesterone come as an injection?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 8, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Yes, Progesterone comes as an injection, specifically in the form of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), which is a progestin-only injectable contraceptive 1.

Key Characteristics of DMPA Injections

  • Available in two formulations: 150 mg intramuscularly and 104 mg subcutaneously 1
  • Reversible and can be used by women of all ages, including adolescents 1
  • Does not protect against STDs, and consistent use of male latex condoms is recommended to reduce this risk 1
  • Approximately 6 out of 100 women will become pregnant in the first year of use with typical use 1

Administration

  • Can be administered by a healthcare provider 1
  • Self-administration of subcutaneous DMPA-SC is also recommended as an additional approach to deliver injectable contraception 1

From the FDA Drug Label

Progesterone injection, a progestin, is a sterile solution of progesterone in a suitable vegetable oil available for intramuscular use. Progesterone is administered by intramuscular injection.

Yes, Progesterone comes as an injection, specifically for intramuscular use 2 2.

From the Research

Progesterone Administration Forms

  • Progesterone can be administered in various forms, including vaginal suppositories, tablets, gel, and injections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
  • Intramuscular injections of progesterone in oil are a common route of administration, but can be painful and inconvenient for patients 5, 6, 7
  • Subcutaneous injections of progesterone have also been introduced as an alternative to vaginal administration, with some patients preferring this method due to its convenience and avoidance of vaginal discharge 3

Injection Forms of Progesterone

  • Progesterone can be administered via intramuscular injection, which is often used for luteal phase support in fertility treatments 4, 5, 6, 7
  • A novel injectable phospholipid-based phase separation gel (PPSG) has been developed for intramuscular administration of progesterone, which can provide sustained controlled release and reduce the frequency of injections 6
  • Subcutaneous injection of progesterone is also an option, with some studies suggesting that patients prefer this method due to its convenience and ease of use 3

Patient Preferences and Satisfaction

  • Patients have expressed preferences for different forms of progesterone administration, with some preferring vaginal administration and others preferring injections 3, 5
  • Studies have shown that patients generally have positive satisfaction with subcutaneous progesterone injections, but some may prefer vaginal administration due to concerns about injecting themselves or the inconvenience of bringing the medication along 3
  • The choice of progesterone administration form should take into account patient preferences and individual needs, with healthcare providers involving patients in the decision-making process whenever possible 3

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.