INTRODUCTION
Ovarian Rejuvenation is a novel form of treatment that has turned the fertility clock for women anti-clockwise. It has helped resolve problems and elevate chances of naturally conceived pregnancies.
Under favourable biological conditions, Stem Cells are capable of transforming themselves into any type of cell in the human body, including eggs. The researchers in Harvard have conducted studies demonstrating presence of Stem Cells in the ovaries and their transformation into egg cells
/mature oocytes.
Likewise, presence of Stem Cells have also been observed in the human ovary, so it is quite possible that they can be transformed into eggs using Growth Factors present in the individuals’ very own blood components such as the WBC’s and Platelets which can be injected into the ovary.
Injections of Growth Factors, that are used for this and several other treatments are prepared using patient’s own blood/ blood cells and is known as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) or PDGF (Platelet Derived Growth Factors) Therapy.
What are growth factors, how do they work and are they safe?
Growth Factors are naturally produced biological agents that are derived from the blood cells (platelets and white blood cells) that are released when the body undergoes an injury, in order to naturally repair the body’s tissues.
Do y’all remember bruising your knee sometime during your childhood and seeing a thick yellow substance appear over the injured area as a result of the injury? This yellow substance is what actually ceases bleeding, it is a combination of platelets, WBC’s (white blood cells), and growth factors that prevent further infection, and eventually result in the formation of new skin, replaces damaged blood vessels, repairs connective tissues and replaces nerves in place of those which were lost as a result of the injury.
Over the years, we’ve used PRP injections several times clinically for the treatment of soft and connective tissue injuries, as well as in cases of bone grafts. Various professional athletes use PRP therapy to speed up the healing process of their sports related injuries. It is also used by burn patients to help with skin grafts for non-surgical facelifts.
There are several research studies that both assert and contradict the efficacy of PRP therapy in its several and varied medical uses. However the highlight is that PRP therapy has not been challenged for its safety yet because it is prepared using an individual’s own blood, hence the chances of transmission of blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis or HIV is completely eliminated. Also, the chances of an allergic reaction are extremely unlikely since there are no synthetic chemicals involved either.
How is the ovarian rejuvenation procedure performed?
The ovarian rejuvenation procedure comprises of two steps:
PREPARATION OF PRP: During this step, a defined amount of blood is withdrawn from your vein. This derived blood is sent to the lab for further processing wherein we isolate your WBC’s (white blood cells) and platelets from the RBC’s (red blood cells) and serum via centrifugation. The preparation of PRP takes almost less than an hour.
RE-ADMINISTRATION OF PRP INTO THE TARGET AREA: During this stage of the ovarian rejuvenation process we administer the processed PRP into the ovaries. The major breakthrough in our technique is that we
abide by a non-surgical, transvaginal ultrasound- guided approach to carry forward the procedure. The administration is performed under sedation using an anaesthetic agent called Propofol. As per our experience, our approach is certainly less invasive, much safer, and has a shorter and definitely more comfortable recovery.
What are the potential risks and benefits of the procedure?
The ultimate benefit of this procedure is the higher number of chances of achieving pregnancy using one’s own eggs, which certainly wasn’t possible prior to this procedure. However, Since it is an innovative medical treatment, it must be clearly understood that whatsoever there is no 100% guarantee, stated or implied, that pregnancy, be it naturally, or as a result of any subsequent fertility procedure, will occur. The risks involved in the procedure are minimal. The possible side effects are pain after the procedure, which usually resolves in less than 2 hours with the help of pain medication, fever and in very rare cases slight internal bleeding.
Although complications are rare, they may possibly result in hospitalisation.
Who are candidates for this procedure?
Any woman who is fit and is in a sound physical health and falls into one or more of the four patient categories mentioned below:
1. Menopausal or perimenopausal women under the age of 50 years.
2. Infertile women, over the age of 35 years with poor egg reserve and low AntiMullerian Hormone levels.
3. Women under the age of 35 years, with poor egg reserve and low AntiMullerian Hormone levels.
4. Women with premature ovarian failure (POF).
How is the ovarian regeneration procedure performed?
In case of women who do not get their periods, the procedure can be conducted at any given time. However, for women who do get periods, either regularly/ irregularly, the procedure is advisable to be conducted while they are at an early stage in their menstrual cycle, prior to the development of an egg follicle. The procedure can be conducted as early as the day of the initial evaluation.
AMH (antiMullerian hormone), FSH,LH and Estradiol levels are measured at monthly intervals in women who do not menstruate in order to analyse if the procedure has done its job and has regenerated new eggs in your ovaries. Incase of women who are witnessing menstrual flow AMH (antiMullerian hormone), FSH,LH and Estradiol levels are measured for a period of six months. As per studies, If the AMH levels rise, while the FSH,LH, and estradiol levels become lower, there is clear evidence of ovarian rejuvenation happening. Nevertheless, even if slight ovarian rejuvenation is recorded, it does not justify that pregnancy may necessarily occur, since there are a lot of chances that other factors might interfere with natural conception and influence the overall results. The researchers need to do some further analysis in order to ensure that the resulting eggs are absolutely fine.
PRP has also showcased positive results in case of women who have a uterus that embryos find difficult to attach to reason being formation/presence of cysts, scarring from miscarriages or a thin uterine lining (Thin Endometrium). Women who seek fertility treatment often benefit in case they’re witnessing either of these problems. The trials and studies conducted so far, give hope that PRP Therapy for ovarian rejuvenation will definitely prove to be a life changing therapeutic option for women who’re suffering from age related infertility.
What are results derived so far?
PRP Therapy for Ovarian Rejuvenation is routinely performed at StemGenn Therapeutics with a positive patient feedback and great success rate.
This has encouraged us to prepare and offer PRP injections for several other sexual dysfunctions such as Vaginal Rejuvenation, Thin Endometrium, Libido Enhancement, Urinary Incontinence and other forms of Gynaecological aesthetic treatments. It appears PRP works very well, in order to help restore healthy vaginal tissue. Reports from many other experts from around the globe indicate enhanced sensitivity of the genital tissues leading to an enhanced enjoyable and emotional sexual experience.
We already offer these supplementary treatment approaches at StemGenn Therapeutics.
