Table of contents
What is Ovarian PRP?
Ovarian treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an innovative method in reproductive medicine. It is designed to enhance the response to ovarian stimulation in women with diminished ovarian reserve, late reproductive age, or in cases where no eggs or low-quality eggs were retrieved in previous IVF cycles.
PRP is a concentrated solution of growth factors and cytokines derived from the patient’s blood. When injected into the ovaries, PRP can promote follicle growth, improve the quality and quantity of eggs, and increase the chances of achieving pregnancy through IVF or naturally. PRP contains growth factors that may help repair damaged ovarian tissue and stimulate egg production.
Ovarian rejuvenation with PRP is a relatively new method that has shown promising results in early studies. While it is not a cure for infertility, it can be a useful option for women with very low AMH levels and reduced ovarian reserve. PRP ovarian treatment is safe, well-tolerated, and performed on an outpatient basis.
Although research is ongoing to determine the effectiveness of ovarian PRP treatment, it is considered a promising approach to help women overcome infertility and optimize their reproductive health.
How Does PRP Impact Ovarian Response to Stimulation and Egg Retrieval in Low Ovarian Reserve?
Follicle development in its early stages depends on various growth factors. Injecting PRP directly into ovarian tissue increases the concentration of these factors, which can activate dormant follicles.
How Is PRP Ovarian Rejuvenation Performed?
After a blood sample is taken from the patient (similar to a routine blood test), it is centrifuged to extract the PRP. The prepared PRP is injected into both ovaries using a transvaginal needle under sedation without the need for hospitalization.
The procedure lasts about 10-15 minutes and can be performed during the second phase of follicle aspiration for patients preparing for subsequent stimulation. After PRP is administered, the woman continues to be prescribed ovarian stimulation treatment or monitoring. Since the patient’s own blood is used, there is no risk of rejection.
When Is PRP Ovarian Rejuvenation Recommended?
PRP ovarian rejuvenation is recommended in the following cases:
- Low or Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Women with AMH levels of 1.1 ng/mL or lower and fewer eggs. Reduced ovarian reserve can make achieving pregnancy difficult, either naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF.
- Poor Response to Follicle Stimulation in IVF Programs: This occurs when a woman’s body produces fewer eggs than expected during an IVF cycle, often due to diminished ovarian reserve or poor egg quality. This situation is sometimes observed after previous ovarian surgery, such as the removal of ovarian cysts.
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) or Very Low AMH/Early Menopause: Young women with very low AMH and weak ovarian reserves may still have a chance to conceive using their own eggs after PRP ovarian rejuvenation.
PRP treatment can potentially avoid the need for donor eggs, allowing women to achieve pregnancy with their own oocytes during an IVF cycle.
Does Ovarian PRP Increase IVF Success Rates?
Recent reports suggest improved IVF outcomes following ovarian rejuvenation, but scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. More research is needed to determine the role of PRP in increasing IVF success rates.
Why Is There a Growing Demand for Treatments Like Ovarian Rejuvenation?
As women age, the number of eggs (ovarian reserve) naturally declines, a process known as ovarian aging. Over the past 50 years, the average age at which women have their first child has risen from 23 to 30. This delay often means women plan pregnancies with fewer eggs and diminished ovarian reserves, increasing the demand for ovarian rejuvenation methods.
The prevalence of premature ovarian reserve depletion has also increased over the past decade due to lifestyle factors, environmental influences, smoking, autoimmune diseases, prior ovarian surgeries, and genetic factors. Ovarian rejuvenation plays a significant role for women with low AMH and diminished ovarian reserves.
What Are the Advantages of PRP Therapy for Ovarian Rejuvenation?
Research shows that PRP injections may result in:
- Increased Antral Follicle Count: Enhancing the chances of retrieving more mature eggs during ovarian stimulation in an IVF program.
- Higher AMH Levels: Indicating improved ovarian response to stimulation.
- Improved IVF/ICSI Outcomes: In women who previously responded poorly to stimulation, PRP treatment may increase the quantity and quality of oocytes, leading to better embryo development and higher pregnancy rates.
- Improved Hormonal Profiles: Including FSH and estradiol levels.
These improvements contribute to better embryo quality and provide the opportunity for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to ensure chromosomally healthy embryos are transferred.
It is essential to note that these findings are preliminary, and data are still being collected from ongoing trials worldwide.
Is PRP Therapy Suitable for All Women with Low Ovarian Reserve?
PRP therapy is an experimental treatment with promising results. A medical team must evaluate its appropriateness for each individual case, assessing the likelihood of success or improvement in ovarian response.
