For many patients, the most intimidating part of starting their fertility journey is the thought of those dozens of subcutaneous injections. Needle phobia (trypanophobia), or even a simple dislike of injections is a significant barrier that can cause patients to delay or even avoid necessary fertility treatments. Because of this, Carolina Conceptions Fertility is addressing this challenge by introducing a needle-free delivery system designed to simplify the ovarian stimulation phase, and make fertility care more accessible to more patients!
The Needle-Free Technology
Traditional IVF protocols typically require 30 to 40 injections over the course of an ovarian stimulation cycle. While these injections are necessary to deliver follicle-stimulating hormones, the daily “pokes” can lead to physical bruising and high levels of emotional stress. By adopting this needle-free technology, Carolina Conceptions continues to prioritize patient-centered care and clinical innovation in the Raleigh area!
This new technology available at Carolina Conceptions utilizes a small, subcutaneous port. This device is similar to the ports used by patients with diabetes for insulin delivery. Once the device is placed on the abdomen (a process that takes just a couple seconds!), it serves as a single entry point for all of those subcue injections that are taken daily, or even multiple times a day. Instead of a needle entering the skin every time a dose is required, the medication is delivered directly to the patient through the device!
Please take note that this technology is currently only for use to administer subcutaneous injectables given in the abdominal area, and are not for intramuscular injections a patient may still need, such as progesterone oil. While we wish we could also assist patients who struggle with those injections as well, we hope that removing the discomfort of all those subcutaneous injections may make the progesterone oil shots a little easier to tolerate!
Who Can Use a Needle-free IVF Device?
Needle-free IVF can be an excellent option for those who have needle anxiety, difficulties with injections, or simply just want a more comfortable option for their cycle. During your consultation, your physician will discuss whether this needle-free option is compatible with your specific treatment plan and goals. Whether you are pursuing IVF, egg freezing, or another stimulation-based protocol, we are committed to making your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
How Do I Start?
New patients can call or submit an appointment request form on our website (scroll up and find it on the top right of our menu!) and discuss this treatment option at their consultation. Current patients are encouraged to reach out to their care team to see if this device would be helpful for them!
Because this technology is a newer advancement in the fertility field, it is not yet a standard covered benefit for most insurance providers. To make this option accessible to as many of our patients as possible, the practice has established a bundled pricing model. This allows patients to opt into the needle-free path with a clear, upfront cost that covers the device and the necessary supplies for the cycle.
Improving Patient Care
Being on this journey is already difficult enough, so it is important for us to do everything we can to lessen the emotional and physical stress that fertility treatment can put on our patients. We want to do our part to facilitate the best mental and physical health for our patients during their cycle, so that they are in their best position to reach their fertility goals.
Please reach out to us if you would like to know more, and don’t forget to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages for demos, Q&As, and explainers on this exciting new tech!