Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is a concentrated blood product used as a complementary therapy with other fertility treatments to improve the likelihood of falling pregnant. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets, which contain a natural growth factor. Using PRP helps to improve ovarian function, including the number and quality of eggs produced, and also the receptivity of the uterus to embryo transfer.

Is PRP right for you?

PRP is commonly used for women who have been through multiple IVF cycles and unfortunately been unable to fall pregnant. It is typically recommended for women with a history of Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF), a condition where high-quality embryos have been transferred in multiple IVF cycles but failed to implant properly in the uterine lining. PRP has been found to improve the thickness of the endometrium, quality of eggs produced, and rates of embryo implantation, which are each a key aspect of falling pregnant.

PRP may be a useful option if you have or are experiencing:

difficulties falling pregnant with IVF; or
thin uterine lining (endometrium) despite hormonal supplementation.

PRP is used in fertility treatment to improve the receptivity of the uterine lining (endometrium) to embryo transfer, which is fundamental for successful implantation of an embryo and its development into a pregnancy.

PRP is used as a complementary treatment for those going through IVF, but is typically only suggested for patients after they may have undergone multiple fertility treatments and IVF cycles.

The PRP process

PRP consists of two elements: plasma, the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, which are blood cells known to form clots and help stimulate tissue growth and healing. PRP treatment involves drawing blood from the patient who will be undergoing the treatment. It is a very safe practice and simple procedure.

Collection: The patient has their own blood drawn by a healthcare professional in the same way that a normal blood draw occurs. Only the patient’s own blood will be used for their treatment.
Preparation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge and rapidly spun for about 15 minutes, which causes platelets to separate from red and white blood cells. The plasma is then collected with a higher than normal concentration of platelets, and prepared for use.
Injection: The PRP is then injected with a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterine cavity, in a process similar to a cervical screening test.

Patients are typically able to go back to their normal activity soon after the PRP is infused. For uterine lining receptivity, PRP is typically infused twice before an embryo transfer.

Risks associated

Using PRP is a largely safe procedure that carries a very low risk of issues. However, there is a small chance of developing an infection or slight vaginal bleeding as a result of the catheter or needle.

As with any fertility treatment, PRP is unfortunately not able to guarantee that you will fall pregnant. We use PRP to give you the best chance of becoming pregnant and having a successful pregnancy, and support you through every part of your fertility journey.

Alternative treatments

In most cases, our specialists will only recommend undergoing PRP treatment if you have tried other less-invasive options first, and found that they have not been successful for you. We offer a range of other treatments you may want to try first, including artificial insemination and ovulation induction.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

In IVF, we stimulate your ovaries and retrieve a number of eggs in a simple procedure and then attempt to fertilise them with a sample of sperm. We attempt to create multiple viable embryos, implanting a successful one directly into the uterus and freezing any others.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

ICSI is a similar process to IVF, but instead of using multiple sperm to try and fertilise an egg, a single sperm is injected directly into the centre of the egg. This attempts to overcome male infertility issues and increase the chance of fertilisation occurring.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

IUI is a less invasive process of artificially placing washed sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, hoping that the sperm will enter the fallopian tube and fertilise an egg. IUI is often used for unexplained fertility, or in the case of using donor sperm.

Ovulation Induction

Tracking ovulation is an important process when trying for a baby. Ovulation induction is a minimally invasive treatment that involves taking medication in the form of tablets or a fine needle injection to induce ovulation and help women have more regular menstrual cycles.

Egg Freezing

As women age, it becomes less likely that they will be able to fall pregnant naturally, but freezing your eggs as early as possible can help you prolong your ability to reproduce and try for a baby when you’re ready. Whether for personal or medical reasons, egg freezing is a way to help you try and get pregnant in the future.

We're with you

It’s possible for anyone to be affected by infertility, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to fulfil your dream of creating a family. Our fertility team is dedicated to creating a treatment and care plan tailored to your personal situation, and being with you through each step.

For more information or to book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists at Create Fertility, please contact our friendly team. We look forward to being part of your journey.