Ovarian activation with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

 

 

Ovarian activation with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an innovative technique aimed primarily at patients with low ovarian reserve. Its objective is to increase the number of oocytes obtained after a cycle of ovarian stimulation for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). The process is based on the extraction of a blood sample from the patient, from which a platelet-rich plasma fraction is obtained which, after specific preparation, is injected directly into the ovaries.

Although the technique of ovarian activation with PRP shows potential, it is still considered experimental. Currently, there is not enough data available to provide accurate success rates, suggesting that more research is needed to determine its potential benefit.

Treatment with ovarian PRP aims to increase the number of oocytes recovered after ovarian stimulation for IVF in women with low ovarian reserve and, therefore, improve the prognosis of their treatment. 

The most suitable profile for this treatment is that of a patient with an ovarian reserve of no more than approximately 8 oocytes and aged under 40 years. Indeed, this treatment does not manage to improve the quality of the oocytes obtained and, therefore, can be a good strategy to address low ovarian reserve but not age-related loss of oocyte quality.

The treatment procedure is as follows: once established that the patient qualifies for PRP treatment, a blood test to measure anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and an ultrasound scan to perform an antral follicle count (AFR) should be performed. This will allow subsequent assessment of the response to treatment. On the day of the PRP, the patient is scheduled for a peripheral blood draw. This blood sample will be processed according to a standardised protocol to separate the platelet-rich plasma fraction from the rest of the blood components. A few hours later, the patient will be escorted to the operating theatre where she will be prepared in the same way as for a follicular puncture procedure to retrieve oocytes. An anaesthetic technique of sedation will be used so that the patient does not feel any pain and, by means of ultrasound visualisation and the use of an ovarian puncture needle, previously activated PRP will be injected into the ovaries.

After the intervention, an analytical follow-up with AMH determination and ultrasound with RFA will be performed to assess response to treatment. When indicated, ovarian stimulation may be initiated to recover oocytes for IVF.

Bear in mind that, as this is a technique that uses biological material obtained from the patient herself, it is considered to have a very low risk of adverse effects. It should also be noted that this is an experimental technique, which makes it difficult to estimate the extent of the treatment and that it may not have any effect at all.

STAGES OF THE PROCEDURE
01 Previous Tests

Tests that the doctor deems appropriate must be completed before treatment can begin. In this case, these are usually analyses (AMH) + transvaginal ultrasound. 

02 Procedure

Treatment preparation visit: Organisation of the treatment and resolution of doubts.

Blood collection: The day of the procedure, the patient comes 1.5-2 hours early for blood collection to prepare PRP.

PRP injection: Injection of PRP into the ovaries under sedation.

Procedure
03 Gestational Control

Subsequent controls: Visits and tests will be scheduled to assess the response to treatment.

Ovarian activation with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an innovative technique aimed primarily at patients with low ovarian reserve.

 

WHO IS IT FOR?

  • For patients with low ovarian reserve and ideally under 40 years of age.

SUCCESS RATES

As this is an experimental technique, there is insufficient data to estimate its effectiveness.

FAQs

At this stage it is not possible to guarantee that the application of PRP will improve ovarian reserve parameters.

Ovarian PRP and ovarian rejuvenation are often terms that refer to the same concept. The use of “ovarian rejuvenation” is quite widespread because it is more understandable than “platelet-rich plasma” to the lay public. However, it should be noted that PRP does not have an ovarian rejuvenating effect and no improvement in oocyte quality is achieved with this technique.

 

Much research is currently being done on ways to improve the quality and competence of oocytes from women or animal models of advanced reproductive age. However, there is still no technique that has been developed for use in assisted reproduction centres.

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