Ovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging treatment investigated to improve ovarian function and enhance fertility. It uses a concentrated solution of a woman’s own platelets, derived from her blood, to stimulate the ovaries. This approach addresses various challenges related to ovarian health.
Understanding Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated blood product. To produce PRP, a small blood sample is drawn. It undergoes centrifugation, spun at high speeds to separate components. This process separates red and white blood cells from the plasma, yielding a solution with a higher concentration of platelets.
Platelets contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors. These growth factors, along with cytokines and other bioactive molecules, are important for tissue repair, regeneration, and healing processes. By concentrating these elements, PRP delivers an effective healing and regenerative stimulus to specific areas.
Ovarian PRP: Its Potential Applications
Ovarian PRP is explored for its potential to improve ovarian function in various fertility-related conditions. It is considered for individuals with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), a condition where egg quantity and quality are lower than expected for age. The therapy is also investigated for women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), where ovarian function declines before age 40.
Ovarian PRP may offer an option for women with a poor response to ovarian stimulation during in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. By improving the ovarian environment, PRP may enhance the chances of retrieving more and better-quality eggs for fertilization. These applications are areas of active research.
The Ovarian PRP Procedure and Its Biological Action
The Ovarian PRP procedure involves collecting the patient’s blood. After the blood is drawn, it is processed in a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate the platelets, creating the PRP solution. This preparation usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Once the PRP is prepared, it is injected directly into the ovaries. This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, often performed under light anesthesia and guided by transvaginal ultrasound for precise placement. The injection targets multiple sites within each ovary.
The hypothesized biological action of Ovarian PRP involves the release of growth factors and cytokines from activated platelets. These factors are thought to stimulate dormant follicles, encouraging their development and maturation. PRP may also improve the ovarian microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing blood flow to the ovaries. This improved blood supply supports ovarian health and function.
Current Evidence and What to Consider
Ovarian PRP is a promising area within reproductive medicine, yet it is still largely considered investigational. While early studies and case reports have shown encouraging results, such as improvements in ovarian reserve markers like Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and a decrease in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, larger, well-designed studies are still needed. The current evidence often comes from small cohorts or observational studies, which have limitations.
Some randomized controlled trials have not consistently demonstrated significant improvements in key IVF outcomes, such as mature oocyte yield or live birth rates, in certain patient populations. While some clinical improvements have been reported, strong evidence regarding the long-term efficacy and safety of Ovarian PRP is still being gathered. Patients considering Ovarian PRP should have a thorough consultation with a fertility specialist. This discussion should cover the current understanding of the procedure, its potential benefits, and the limitations of existing research.