Ovarian rejuvenation is an emerging fertility treatment that employs Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to stimulate ovarian function, offering new hope for women facing fertility challenges.
This technique involves introducing PRP into the ovaries to encourage follicle growth, enhance egg quality, and increase the chances of conception, whether through natural means or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Here, we’ll explore how PRP-based ovarian rejuvenation works, who it benefits, its costs, and limitations.
What is Ovarian Rejuvenation Therapy?
Ovarian rejuvenation therapy leverages the regenerative properties of PRP. Derived from a patient’s own blood, PRP is a concentration of growth factors and cytokines. When injected into the ovaries or uterus, these factors stimulate cellular rejuvenation and blood flow, which can help repair tissue and encourage egg development.
This therapy, when combined with a personalized approach, can improve ovarian function and increase fertility prospects for women with low ovarian reserve or diminished ovarian function.
PRP Techniques for Ovarian Rejuvenation
There are two main methods for PRP ovarian rejuvenation:
- Ovarian Injection: Performed as an outpatient procedure with local or intravenous anesthesia, PRP is injected trans-vaginally into the ovaries. This process takes around 15-20 minutes.
- Uterine Infusion: PRP is infused into the uterine cavity, typically in a clinic setting without anesthesia, and completed within 15 minutes.
Your fertility specialist will determine the most suitable method based on your individual condition.
Ideal Candidates for Ovarian Rejuvenation
PRP-based ovarian rejuvenation can benefit:
- Women with Low AMH: Low Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels indicate a low ovarian reserve. PRP may improve egg quality and follicle count, increasing the success rates of IVF.
- Women After Menopause or with Early Menopause: While research is ongoing, there is evidence that ovarian rejuvenation can sometimes reinitiate menstrual cycles in women who have recently entered menopause.
- Older Women or Those with Age-Related Subfertility: Women over 40 facing reduced fertility due to age might experience improved outcomes with PRP injections, which can enhance egg quality.
- Women with Poor IVF Responses: PRP can help patients who have previously had unsuccessful IVF cycles by promoting better ovarian response and follicular growth.
- Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure or Thin Endometrial Lining: Uterine PRP has shown promise for women with repeated implantation issues, enhancing endometrial receptivity and potentially improving embryo implantation success.
Ovarian Rejuvenation: Age Limit Considerations
Though there is no strict age limit for ovarian rejuvenation, women over the age of 40 typically experience reduced ovarian reserves and egg quality, which can impact treatment outcomes. PRP therapy might not yield the same benefits for all older women, and results can vary based on individual ovarian health and other factors.
PRP Therapy for Low AMH
For women with low AMH, PRP ovarian rejuvenation may offer a promising solution. PRP encourages follicle growth, increases egg quality, and can improve AMH levels, which may lead to a higher yield of viable eggs for IVF cycles. Studies suggest that women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) who undergo PRP treatment see improvements in follicular response and oocyte retrieval, contributing to increased chances of conception.
Cost of Ovarian Rejuvenation
The cost of ovarian rejuvenation varies based on factors like the clinic location, physician expertise, and the chosen PRP method (ovarian injection vs. uterine infusion). On average, PRP ovarian rejuvenation treatments can range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 8,000 per session. Multiple sessions may be recommended, depending on the patient’s unique needs and reproductive health goals.
Clinical Evidence and Success Rates
While ovarian PRP therapy is still in its early stages, preliminary data show promising outcomes:
- Increased Follicular Growth: Studies on women with diminished ovarian reserve report improved ovarian response and follicular growth.
- Higher Oocyte Retrieval Rates: PRP has been linked to higher egg retrieval rates in IVF, resulting in more viable embryos.
- Natural Conception Cases: Some women have achieved natural conception post-treatment, especially those with early menopause or poor ovarian response.
However, further large-scale research is required to solidify these findings. Long-term data and rigorous clinical trials are necessary to validate the safety and efficacy of PRP for ovarian rejuvenation fully.
Conclusion: A New Hope in Fertility Treatment
Ovarian rejuvenation with PRP is an innovative option for women with low ovarian reserves, poor egg quality, or age-related fertility challenges. While further research is essential, PRP therapy offers promising potential to increase natural conception rates and improve IVF outcomes for many women. For those exploring fertility treatments, ovarian rejuvenation could provide a valuable alternative to traditional methods, potentially enhancing fertility and paving the way toward successful pregnancy.
