Ovarian Rejuvenation

Restoring Fertility: Ovarian Rejuvenation for Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Ovarian Rejuvenation Therapy is an innovative, experimental procedure designed to stimulate and “reawaken” the ovaries of women who have previously been unable to conceive due to factors such as premature menopause, poor ovarian response following ovarian stimulation in IVF, or advanced maternal age. The aim of this therapy is to promote the production of new eggs, potentially improving both the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs. By doing so, Ovarian Rejuvenation seeks to increase the likelihood that a woman can conceive using her own eggs, rather than relying on donor eggs. Netcare IVF | Fertility is one of the few fertility centers in West Africa offering a range of Ovarian Rejuvenation therapy options to help women achieve their reproductive goals.

Reasons For Ovarian Rejuvenation

Ovarian rejuvenation with PRP is often considered for:

Women with diminished ovarian reserve or low AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels
Women with premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause
Women undergoing IVF who may benefit from enhanced ovarian function
Women looking to improve their egg quality before egg freezing

Ovarian Rejuvenation: What Does It Involve?

At Netcare IVF | Fertility, the process and what is involved in ovarian stimulation as part of Ovarian Rejuvenation Process entails:

1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Preparation

Extraction of PRP: PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood (autologous). Blood is drawn from the patient, and the plasma is separated through a process called centrifugation. This concentrates the platelets, which are rich in growth factors and proteins that are believed to stimulate tissue regeneration.
PRP Characteristics: The plasma is rich in growth factors that can help stimulate follicle growth and egg quality, improving ovarian function.

2. Ovarian Rejuvenation Technique

Injection of PRP: The PRP is then injected into the ovaries, typically using a needle similar to the one used for egg retrieval in IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). This process is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement of the PRP.

Egg Retrieval Technique: In some cases, the same technique used for egg retrieval during IVF is applied, where a needle is passed through the vaginal wall to reach the ovaries. The PRP is injected directly into the ovarian tissue.
- Alternative Injection Site (Uterus): In some cases, PRP may also be injected into the uterus to improve endometrial receptivity and overall fertility potential. This is often done using a catheter inserted into the cervix, a procedure similar to intrauterine insemination (IUI).

3. Mechanism of Action

Growth Factor Stimulation: The injected PRP contains several growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF), which are believed to help stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles, improve blood circulation, and potentially rejuvenate the ovarian tissue.
Enhancing Ovarian Function: By promoting cellular regeneration and improving the quality of the ovarian reserve, PRP injections may improve egg quality and increase the chances of successful conception.
Ovarian Follicle Growth: The idea is that PRP can induce the ovarian tissue to generate healthier follicles, which could lead to better-quality eggs available for fertilization.

4. Ovarian Stimulation for Fertility

Fertility Enhancement: This approach may be used in conjunction with traditional ovarian stimulation (like that used in IVF cycles) to enhance ovarian function, particularly in women with poor ovarian reserve or those undergoing egg freezing or IVF.
Monitoring: After PRP injections, patients may undergo regular monitoring with ultrasounds and blood tests to track the response of their ovaries to the treatment. If ovarian rejuvenation is successful, it may lead to an improved response to subsequent IVF stimulation.

Expected Outcomes of Ovarian Rejuvenation

Improved Egg Quality and Quantity: The main goal of ovarian rejuvenation is to improve the quality and quantity of eggs in women with diminished ovarian reserve. Some studies and anecdotal reports suggest that women undergoing PRP treatment may see an increase in follicular response and improved chances for successful conception.
Increased IVF Success Rates: For women undergoing IVF, ovarian rejuvenation may potentially lead to higher success rates due to better-quality eggs and improved ovarian response.
Variable Outcomes: Results can vary from patient to patient. While some may experience improvements in ovarian function, others may see minimal or no changes. The effectiveness of ovarian rejuvenation is still under investigation, and more clinical studies are needed to fully understand its long-term benefits.

Book a Consultation Today to Explore Ovarian Rejuvenation

Our fertility experts are dedicated to offering a personalized treatment experience for each patient. We take great pride in helping women who have struggled to conceive due to factors such as premature menopause, poor ovarian response during IVF, or advanced maternal age. Our Ovarian Rejuvenation treatment aims to “reawaken” the ovaries and stimulate the production of new eggs. To learn more, contact the Netcare IVF & Fertility Centre today to schedule a consultation, either by phone or in person.