What is PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a treatment procedure that has the potential to help patients in their fertility journey. Platelets are the cells in blood that are most often associated with helping blood clot to control bleeding.
How PRP Works
PRP is prepared by drawing the patient’s blood and centrifuging the sample to isolate the platelet rich plasma. This plasma is then activated and injected back into the ovaries under transvaginal ultrasound guidance.
How PRP may help you
According to recent studies, injection of platelet-rich plasma directly into the ovaries has the potential to improve ovarian reserve; increase chances of retrieving mature, high-quality oocytes; and thus, increase chances of a healthy, live birth.
PRP is still considered experimental in the GYN community and its potential in the fertility world has only been studied for the past 4-5 years. However, the concept of platelet rich plasma injection (PRP) has been utilized for decades in other medical specialties including dermatology and orthopedic surgery where it has proven safe and effective.
Timing of PRP
PRP can be done at any time during the follicular phase, though your physician may recommend a specific time window depending on your case. PRP can technically be done at any point during the cycle, especially in Diminished Ovarian Reserve, peri-menopausal patients with irregular menses.
Egg Retrievals and PRP
The effects of this treatment typically take about 1 cycle (28 days) to become measurable and are temporary, with studies showing an approximately 3-month window from time of injection for the beneficial effects. Thus, we will strongly recommend that patients enter egg retrieval cycles for the following 2 cycles after their PRP.
To better suit this timeline, we offer specialized packages for new patients choosing to begin their treatment with PRP, as well as accessible retrieval packages for continuing patients seeking support in their ongoing treatment.
