PRP is the abbreviation for platelet rich plasma it is a blood additive-free blood product that is derived from blood of the person. Recently, PRP is used in all disciplines of medicine, especially including plastic surgery, dermatology and orthopedics, and rejuvenation and improvement are obtained in the tissue that is injected PRP. Its intended use in reproductive medicine and for treatment of fertility has pretty short history relative to other areas and there are promising studies.

What is Ovarian Rejuvenation (PRP)?

Ovarian PRP, colloquially called ovarian rejuvenation, is addressed in the global literature within past several years and it is a treatment that is recently used also in our country. PRP injection into ovaries is expected to activate dormant stem cells in order to rejuvenate ovaries and boost their functioning.

Biological age is the most important factor that determines the reproductive potential of a woman and unfortunately, ovarian reserve is indirectly proportional to aging. Decline in ovarian reserve accelerates especially after 38 and transition to menopause (premenopausal phase) happens as of 46 in average. Some patients experience this condition far earlier and declined ovarian reserve is detected in the absence of advanced age; even, these patients suffer from early menopause. Current data does not offer an option other than PRP for these patients to increase chance of conception. However, one should also know that expected effect cannot be guaranteed for PRP.

Who are Good Candidates for Ovarian Rejuvenation (PRP)?

While ovarian rejuvenation is rather a novel treatment modality, positive results are reported by studies, but positive outcome cannot be obtained in all patients. In our center, patients with low ovarian reserve and early menopause are started on treatment, after they are assigned to certain groups. Since patients who are most likely to benefit from PRP therapy are separated from patients who are not good candidates for this therapy, unnecessary procedures can be eliminated. Baseline evaluation at our outpatient clinic reveals out whether ovarian rejuvenation is an appropriate treatment for a certain person or not.

How is Ovarian Rejuvenation (PRP) Performed?

First, blood sample is drawn and specifically processed into platelet rich plasma (PRP). A very thin needle is advanced through vagina under ultrasound guidance and PRP is injected into the ovary. Patients usually prefer general anesthesia for the procedure, as it may cause pain.