The Struggle of Infertility
Studies show that one in eight couples in the US struggle with infertility. This is part of the reason why IVF has increased by 11% in the past two years. The process of IVF can be stressful and unpleasant, especially when it comes to administering numerous injections.
The Challenges of IVF Injections
Alexa Nicholls Costa, a board-certified nurse practitioner, wants to help couples struggling with infertility by making the injection process easier. Costa is the co-founder and CEO of Lexrx, an aesthetic injectable practice, and a mother of two children, including an IVF miracle. She understands the stress and anxiety that comes with administering injections, having gone through the process herself.
A Personal Experience
Costa recalls the challenges she faced while going through IVF. "I was always in a panic to get home at a certain time, to mix the medication properly, to keep them properly, to administer them on time. There is really a lot to do – it can really affect your everyday life." She has postponed many of her own patients’ appointments to keep their injections and doctors up to date.
Helping Others
Costa started looking after hours of patients and helped with hormone injections completely free of charge. To date, she has helped more than 15 of her patients with their IVF injections, and everyone has successfully given birth to happy, healthy babies. One of her patients is her cousin, Marisa Penta, who struggled with IVF injections before turning to Costa for help.
Overcoming the Fear of IVF Injections
Penta and her wife tried to deal with injections themselves before finally turning to Costa. "Bruising happens when you inject yourself and hit a nerve in your body. It was very anxious and very stressful to do it yourself," said Penta. When asked how it felt to have someone else administer the injection, Penta described it as "like a weight that is lifted."
Making the Process Easier
Dr. Pietro Bortoletto, co-founder of the fertility clinic based in Dedham, agrees that the injection process can be overwhelming for patients. "To paint you an idea: When patients start the IVF process, you will receive a box with dozens of needles, injections, medication at home. If it is overwhelming for Alexa, I can only imagine what it feels like for an average patient." Bortoletto and Costa are now working to make the process easier by sending trained nurses to administer injections.
A Success Story
Penta and her wife recently celebrated the first birthday of their daughter, Ricci, and Penta said that they would not change anything. "Every year of infertility – it was worth it for her." With the help of Costa and other medical professionals, couples struggling with infertility can find hope and support throughout the IVF process.
