Fertility issues or low ovarian reserve do not mean your motherhood dream is dead. Many fertility treatments offer hope, and one such is ovarian rejuvenation. This delicate procedure provides hope to women with ovarian function issues. Continue reading to learn about this fertility treatment for women.
Ovarian rejuvenation is a treatment for fertility that uses PRP, Platelet-rich plasma for ovarian stimulation, improving fertility, and increasing pregnancy chances naturally or via IVF.
In the platelet-rich plasma ovarian rejuvenation procedure, concentrated PRP of cytokines and growth factors is derived from your blood sample. The PRP is then introduced into the uterine cavity and the ovaries to improve egg production, follicle growth, and repair damaged ovarian tissues. This ultimately helps enhance egg quantity and quality, improving pregnancy chances. To summarise, PRP ovarian rejuvenation treatment naturally stimulates blood flow and cellular rejuvenation, improving fertility.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is produced using your blood sample in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from white and red blood cells. This plasma in the blood helps to clot blood during injury. Additionally, the growth factors and cytokines in the platelets help repair wounds and injuries and improve healing. Various types of PRP have been used to treat injuries. For instance, PRP injections are used for sports injuries, knee osteoarthritis and hair loss. PRP technology is also used in fertility treatment to induce your ovaries to produce eggs for fertilisation, thereby increasing pregnancy chances.
There are two types of PRP ovarian rejuvenation treatment.
● Ovarian injection
● Uterine infusion
The fertility doctor decides on the type of treatment based on their assessment of the individual’s medical condition and what suits their patient.
This is an outpatient treatment procedure done in a surgical suite. The treatment is done under IV anaesthesia or local anaesthesia to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort. If IV anaesthesia is chosen for the procedure, a board-certified anesthesiologist will administer the medication.
The physical will then perform the procedure of injecting the PRP into the ovaries using a transvaginal approach. The entire procedure lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, after which you will be monitored until your recovery and then discharged.
PRP therapy for uterine rejuvenation is also done as an outpatient treatment. This treatment is less complicated than the previous procedure and is completed within 15 minutes with no post-recovery time. The patient will be in a dorsal-lithotomy position (lying on the back with legs separated and raised) on the exam table, and the doctor will inject the PRP into the uterine cavity.
It is a good option for women with fertility challenges, particularly those who have
● Declining ovarian reserve: Women with low Anti-Mullerian Hormone AMH levels have fewer eggs and may benefit from ovarian rejuvenation as it helps stimulate follicle growth.
● Poor egg quality: PRP’s growth factors help promote egg development in women with poor egg quality.
● Unsuccessful IVF: Women who have been unsuccessful in previous IVF cycles can explore it as a way to boost their chances of pregnancy in their future attempts.
● Early menopause: Those women who have symptoms of perimenopause or early menopause can use this treatment to regulate hormones.
Before you undergo the procedure for PRP ovarian rejuvenation, the doctor will perform a comprehensive assessment. The healthcare provider will discuss your fertility goals, medications taken and medical history. A physical examination is performed and blood tests are ordered to determine the health and suitability for this treatment. The doctor may recommend stopping certain supplements or medications that interfere with platelet function or blood clotting. Additionally, you may be advised to avoid smoking or alcohol before the procedure to optimise your healing response.
PRP ovarian rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the following steps:
● Blood draw: A small quantity of blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
● PRP Preparation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge (a machine that separates various components of blood) for about 15 minutes. This process separates the white and red blood cells from the plasma called the PRP solution.
● Injection: A doctor injects the solution into the ovaries using transvaginal ultrasound guidance as an outpatient treatment.
● Recovery: There is minimal downtime following the procedure, with rest for a short time before going home.
PRP ovarian rejuvenation is an outpatient treatment procedure, so there is no need to stay overnight at the hospital. After a brief period of recovery at the clinic, you can return home. Recovery is quick, with mild discomfort or cramping in the pelvic region, similar to period cramps. Pain medications may be recommended to manage it. The doctor may suggest avoiding strenuous activities for a few days with specific care instructions. Remember that the outcome of this treatment may take time. The doctor will check the progress using ultrasound and blood tests in the following months to check the ovarian reserve enhancement and hormone levels.
The potential outcome of this treatment is promising, but it is best to have realistic expectations. Studies suggest that PRP ovarian rejuvenation may improve fertility factors, including:
● Improved egg quality: PRP has growth factors that, when induced into the ovaries, promote healthy egg development, increasing the chances of fertilisation and pregnancy.
● Increased ovarian reserve: PRP stimulates follicular growth and boosts AMH levels, which indicates good ovarian reserve.
● Boosts IVF chances: For women undergoing IVF treatment, PRP may improve the quality of eggs retrieved and the quality of embryos, helping with better IVF outcomes.
However, it is essential to note that this is a relatively new treatment and data on its effectiveness is limited.
PRP Ovarian rejuvenation is considered safe but, like any medical procedure, has some minor risks, including:
● Infection within the ovaries or at the injection site. However, proper sterilisation reduces the risk significantly.
● There can be bruising or bleeding at the injection site, which typically resolves quickly.
● Mild discomfort or cramping is possible but can be managed with pain medication.
● An allergic reaction to PRP or anaesthesia is possible.
Sometimes, PRP ovarian rejuvenation is used along with IUI or IVF to increase the chances of pregnancy. Stem cell therapy for ovaries may also be considered when a woman has decreased ovarian reserve and has fertility issues due to age or other reproductive issues. Consult fertility experts to determine what is right for you.
When done at reputed treatment facilities, PRP treatment has shown promising results of conceiving naturally or through IVF, offering hope to couples who dream of parenthood. Consult with the best fertility doctors to know more.
Yes. Stem cell therapy shows promising results for ovarian rejuvenation, but more research is needed to establish true efficacy.
The risks are minimal. Infection at the site of injection, bruising, bleeding, period-like pain and discomfort and allergic reaction to PRP or anaesthesia are possible side effects.
Uterine rejuvenation is a treatment where PRP is injected into the uterus, enhancing the chances of successful fertilisation and improving a woman’s fertility.
