The first IVF baby was born in the late 70s, bringing the revolution and hope too many women who could not have a child in a normal way, to become mothers. Since then, science and technology have continuously evolved creating new methods to help women and men have children. If you have had a failed IVF attempt due to low egg quality, poor embryo quality, the PRP Rich – Plasma Patelet Ovarian Rejuvenation method could help increase your chances of a successful IVF cycle.

What is PRP therapy?

Let’s start by explaining the meaning of PRP which means Platelet Rich Plasma and what this treatment includes.

It is about a method performed by using your own platelet-rich blood plasma. This specific ingredient contains many growth factors that contribute decisively to the activation of cell growth. Injecting it into damaged or affected tissue can activate regenerative processes.

What is PRP?

PRP is a concentrated blood product with a high percentage of platelets. To better understand what PRP is, it would help to look at the 4 main components of blood:

Plasma: Liquid component consisting of water, dissolved salts and proteins, proportionally accounting for more than half of blood volume and responsible for the transport throughout the body of other blood components.

Platelets: Cell-like particles that help the blood clotting process while also releasing other components, including growth factors.

Red blood cells: Also known as erythrocytes make up 40% of blood, and it is the reason why it has the characteristic red color. They are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body, which is converted into valuable energy by releasing carbon dioxide. Blood cells remove carbon dioxide waste from the body by carrying it to the lungs to be exhaled.

White blood cells: Also known as leukocytes, they are found in the blood and make up only 1% of it, even though they are found throughout the body. They are responsible for the immune system and contribute to its defense against invaders, diseases and infections.

 

Is PRP done and how?

PRP is a product that can be “made” from your own blood or from another person’s blood. Let’s see the steps one by one:

Step 1:

A healthcare professional will take a blood sample in the same way as for a simple blood test, with a needle inserted into a vein in the arm with a regular tube and the blood collected in a small vial.

Step 2:

Through the centrifuge device that rotates very quickly and at high speeds, the components of the blood are separated. This process naturally separates the solid and liquid parts of blood: red and white blood cells, solids, platelets, and plasma (fluid).

Step 3:

In this phase a laboratory technician collects the plasma, which is rich in platelets without other cellular components in order to be administered immediately.

Step 4:

We are in the final phase where several areas around your ovaries are injected.

How is PRP used for IVF and other fertility treatments?

PRP can help you conceive if:

• You have undergone multiple IVF cycles with a history of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) even if the embryos transferred in many cases are of high quality.
• You want to give one more try before turning to IVF with donor eggs after a series of fertility treatments, including IVF with your own eggs or IUI.

How can PRP help you?

PRP is a great procedure to rejuvenate your ovaries, which can help to:

• Improve the quality and quantity of eggs.
• Improve the thickness of the uterine lining.
• Enhance the receptivity of the endometrium during an embryo transfer.

In what cases is PRP used?

Most cases involve women undergoing IVF:

• Having reduced ovarian reserve
• Being in the menopause stage
• With no good egg quality
• With a high rate of abnormal fetus

What are the PRP ways that can bring results?

There are 2 ways or procedures through which PRP can be used to improve egg quality and quantity. Depending on your situation, you can, in collaboration with your doctor, choose the PRP method to improve the quality and quantity of your eggs and follow the one that will ensure you the highest success rate.

Intraovarian PRP

In this procedure, the injection includes 1-3 ml of PRP, is carried out directly into the ovaries and is done under anesthesia under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor, through a needle, will introduce the PRP using ultrasound through the vaginal wall into the ovaries where he will then deposit it in very specific places. Ideally, this method is done from one to three months before starting the IVF stimulation.

High Volume Intrauterine PRP

This method can help improve the endometrial receptivity of the uterine lining usually 48 hours before the expected embryo transfer. The procedure involves a large volume of PRP from 3-5ml, even 8-10ml, which is slowly diffused into the uterus through a catheter. Plasma through the fallopian tubes will flow out of the uterus and “flood” the ovaries. After completing the procedure, which takes about ten minutes, you can return to your daily routine.

How long does ovarian PRP last for fertility?

The results of PRP injections have a specific duration of action, about 3 months, while it takes at least 2 weeks for the PRP to start working in your ovaries. Many women who respond successfully to treatment choose to follow this method when starting a new cycle of IVF.

Ways to monitor treatment results.

Apart from the most important proof, that means a successful pregnancy, there are ways that help your doctor check if the treatment is having the desired results.

1. It has to do with the reappearance of the period in case it has been interrupted due to menopause, but this indication requires a period of several months.
2. Another indication is an increase in the hormone AMH, also known as the fertility hormone. Measuring AMH levels can help calculate the number of follicles within the ovaries and therefore the number of eggs.
3. Also, the reduction of FSH and LH levels, which are hormones that negatively affect fertility is a good indication.
4. An increasing number of eggs, confirmed by ultrasound during the monthly check-up, is another indication for a positive result.

What are the success rates?

Ovarian rejuvenation is still a new treatment, so larger sample sizes covering as many cases as possible are needed. It is true that many women see benefit, while for some others this method may not work.

Can I get pregnant after PRP?

It is understandable that every woman’s body and organism is different. At the same time, factors such as good physical condition, weight, lack of bad habits, proper nutrition, stress play an important role.

However, many women through ovarian stimulation have managed to become pregnant with their own eggs through IVF, some women have achieved the ideal, to achieve conception naturally, while a percentage of women have frozen embryos for future use.

Before you consider moving on to donor eggs, it’s worth considering rejuvenating your ovaries and having your own baby. It is an innovative method and a painless process that is constantly evolving, offering more and more women not only the hope to have a child, but to live that miracle.