PRP Procedure for IVF and Recurrent Implantation Failure – WHAT IS PRP THERAPY?

PRP Procedure for IVF and Recurrent Implantation Failure – WHAT IS PRP THERAPY?

In recent years, WHAT IS PRP THERAPY? Platelet- Rich Plasma (PRP) has been used alongside conventional fertility treatments like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to improve egg quality, uterine lining thickness, and endometrial receptivity, primarily in the treatment of recurrent implantation failure experienced over multiple IVF cycles. While there is not yet a rich source of scientific literture showing it’s overall effectiveness, it is being used more and more frequently due to its clinical success.

Platelets rich plasma: Effective embryo implantation requires a proper embryonic development coincident with a receptive endometrium. In clinical practice, satisfactory endometrial growth is needed for successful implantation. The required minimum endometrial thickness for embryo transfer is seven millimeters after the follicular phase. Thin endometrium non-responsive to standard treatments is still a challenge in assisted reproductive technique, which usually results in cycle cancellation and unexpected embryo cryopreservation. Hence various strategies have been developed for treating thin endometrium, including extended use of exogenous estrogen, use of low-dose aspirin, vitamin E and vaginal sildenafil citrate, electroacupuncture and application of granulocyte colony stimulation factor (G-CSF). However, several women with thin endometrium remain non-responsive even after these remedies are used. Therefore those patients suffering from weak endometrial growth often ask whether the use of Platelets rich plasma, PRP in IVF can lead to a successful pregnancy. Also can treatment by platelet-rich plasma for endometrial lining will improve it. Alternatively, what is platelet-rich plasma therapy in IVF? Can platelet-rich plasma in repeated IVF failure work effectively? Can you explain PRP fertility treatment? What is PRP therapy in the uterus? Can you explain the use of PRP in IVF? How can PRP lead to IVF success? What is PRP procedure in IVF? Does PRP improve egg quality? Does PRP work in recurrent implantation failure? What is the best PRP treatment for male infertility? Can you explain PRP treatment in IVF in Hindi? Is IVF treatment after PRP possible? Are there any PRP fertility success stories you can share? Are there any infertility clinical trials with PRP carried out?

WHAT IS PRP THERAPY?

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich-Plasma. Plasma. PRP is plasma fraction of autologous (own) blood with the concentration of platelets 4-5 times above normal. Platelets are tiny blood cells that are responsible for clotting of blood, growth as well as tissue healing and regeneration

PRP is a concentrated blood product that contains a high percentage of platelets (biomolecules with natural healing and regenerative properties). To understand more, let’s take a step back and look at blood as a whole.  In general, whole blood is composed of 4 main components:

Plasma: the liquid component of blood that consists mostly of water, dissolved salts and proteins. It constitutes more than half of blood volume and provides the medium for all other components in the blood to be transported throughout the body.

Platelets: Also known as thrombocytes, platelets are cell-like particles that help in the clotting process and release other substances and growth factors.

Red Blood Cells: Also called erythrocytes, red blood cells carry oxygen is involved in the exchange of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide, brining oxygen to tissue, and removing carbon dioxide from the body.

White Blood Cells: Also known as leukocytes) are white blood cells are primarily responsible for the body’s immune system.

HOW IS PRP THERAPY USED IN INFERTILITY PATIENTS?

PRP Therapy has been recently tried in the following areas:

Persistently Thin Endometrium : Enhances the Endometrial ThicknessAddressing Recurrent Implantation Failure (Recurrent Pregnancy Loss)Premature Ovarian Failure : Improves Ovarian ReserveProcess of PRP Therapy

 HOW IS PRP SAMPLE PREPARED? DO I NEED TO VISIT ANY SPECIAL LAB?

Around 10 to 15 ml of blood is drawn from the patient in special tubes.Content of the tube is centrifuged (a process of spinning blood at a very high speed to isolate RBC’s, Plasma and Platelets) in a Centrifuge machine.Once the Platelets are isolated in the tube, the separated Platelets along with some leukocytes are transferred to another tube. This is centrifuged again to prepare PRP.Prepared PRP ( 0.5 to 1 ml ) is then immediately infused into the Endometrial Cavity.

HOW IS PRP THERAPY DONE?

0.5 ml to 1 ml of prepared PRP sample is loaded in IUI Catheter and infused in the endometrial cavity.

The process of transferring the PRP to the Uterus is similar to IUI procedure and done under Ultrasound guidance to increase efficiency.

Patient may rest for a few minutes and proceed with regular work immediately after the process.

 DO I NEED PRP THERAPY IF I HAVE FAILED MULTIPLE IUI AND IVF CYCLES?

In Recurrent IVF / ICSI Failures, when thin Endometrium is persistently noted or endometrial blood flow is sub-optimal, PRP Therapy should be tried.

Role of PRP in IUI cycles has not been studied.

 IS PRP THERAPY SAFE? ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR DISADVANTAGES OF PRP THERAPY?

PRP sample is prepared from patient’s own blood, hence risk of infection, cross contamination and immunogenic reaction is negligible.

 IS ENDOMETRIAL SCRATCH OR SCRATCHING ALWAYS PERFORMED ALONG WITH PRP THERAPY ?

Endometrial Scratching is a procedure which has been proposed to improve the Receptivity (Ability of Implantation)  of endometrium and thereby increase the Probability of Pregnancy in IVF cycles.

It is usually reserved for patients who have had previous failed IVF ICSI cycles, with good embryos but poor or Thin Endometrium. Endometrial Scratch may be combined with PRP to improve chances of pregnancy in IVF or IUI cycles.

Platelet rich plasma PRP preparation steps

How is PRP prepared?

PRP is most often used from the person’s blood undergoing the PRP therapy but can be made from another individual’s blood.

Step 1: The PRP process starts with a healthcare professional drawing a sample of blood similar to how they would normally collect tubes of blood.

Step 2: The blood is centrifuged (put in a machine that spins very quickly causing the different components of blood to separate) for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: A lab technician collects the plasma (now rich in platelets and devoid of cellular components) in preparation for its injection.

How is PRP used for IVF and other fertility Treatments?

PRP is used in a number of fertility treatments including IUI and IVF to assist with and improve egg quantity/quality and improve uterine lining thickness/enhance endometrial receptivity during an embryo transfer. It is most often used in those who have undergone multiple IVF cycles with a  history of recurrent implantation failure (RIF), a condition in which multiple IVF transfers do not result in pregnancy despite high-quality embryos being transferred on multiple occasions.  PRP is usually tried before turning to donor egg IVF, but may be used alongside donor egg cycles along with other supporting treatments focusing on reproductive immunology.

 

0