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PRP therapy

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is prepared from your own blood and used in selected cases of thin womb lining or low egg reserve. It is still an emerging treatment, so the evidence is talked through with you before you decide.

With Datuk Dr. Navdeep Singh Pannu, FRCOG, at Alpha IVF & Women's Specialists, Kota Damansara

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Made from
A small sample of your own blood
Prepared
On the same day, by spinning the blood
Used for
Thin womb lining or low egg reserve, in selected cases
Evidence
Still being studied

What it is

Platelets carry growth factors that help tissues repair. In PRP, a small amount of your blood is spun in a machine to concentrate the platelets, and the plasma is then placed where it is needed.

For a thin womb lining that has not responded to other treatment, PRP is placed in the womb before an embryo transfer. For low ovarian reserve, it is injected into the ovaries in a procedure similar to egg collection.

Some studies have shown benefit and others have not, so PRP is not a routine treatment. It is offered only after other options have been considered.

Who it can help

  • A womb lining that stays thin despite hormone treatment
  • Repeated failed embryo transfers linked to the lining
  • Low ovarian reserve, after an honest talk about the limited evidence

How it works

  1. Is it suitable?

    A review of your history and results, and a frank talk about what PRP may and may not do.

  2. Blood sample

    A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, as for a routine blood test.

  3. Preparation

    The sample is spun in the laboratory to concentrate the platelets.

  4. Treatment

    For the womb, PRP is placed through the cervix like an embryo transfer, with no sedation. For the ovaries, it is injected under ultrasound guidance with sedation.

  5. Follow-up

    Scans to check the lining or the ovaries, and planning of the next step.

Good to know

Side effects and risks

  • Because PRP comes from your own blood, allergic reactions are not expected
  • Mild cramps or spotting after treatment of the womb
  • With ovarian injection, the small risks of a procedure like egg collection: bleeding, infection and discomfort
  • It may not work for you

An emerging treatment

Research on PRP in fertility is still growing. It is offered only where it may help, and never as a promise.

Other options first

For a thin lining, the dose and type of hormone treatment, and conditions such as scarring inside the womb, are looked at first. See keyhole surgery.

Low egg reserve

For most women with a low reserve, the main decisions are about timing and IVF. See low AMH.

Questions people ask

Is PRP safe?

It uses your own blood, so the risk of reaction is very low. The main risks come from the procedure used to place it.

How many treatments will I need?

It depends on what PRP is being used for. The number and timing are planned with you, around your cycle or your next transfer.

Does it work?

Some women seem to benefit, but research results are mixed. Dr. Navdeep will tell you honestly whether it is likely to help in your case.

This page is general information and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Please speak to your doctor for advice that is right for you. Disclaimers