If you have damaged or aged reproductive tissues, it’s easy to assume that you won’t be able to get pregnant in future. However, advances in regenerative medicine are beginning to challenge that belief.
New techniques, including ovarian rejuvenation, are being explored as ways to potentially extend the fertility window for some women.
Understandably, this has many women questioning, “Am I a candidate for ovarian rejuvenation?” While these new medical developments offer hope, the answer may not be a straightforward yes or no. Suitability depends on your age, ovarian function, hormone levels and overall reproductive health.
Dr Gorgy, fertility consultant and co-director at The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy, explains, “Ovarian rejuvenation is an emerging treatment that may help improve ovarian function in selected patients, particularly those with low ovarian reserve or a poor response to IVF. After learning about regenerative medicine, many patients have asked if they are a suitable candidate for ovarian rejuvenation, but this is only determined by careful assessment, which is essential to understand who is most likely to benefit.”
Can regenerative medicine extend your fertility window? What we know so far
Regenerative medicine focuses on supporting the body’s natural repair processes. In fertility care, this means exploring ways to improve ovarian function, egg number and quality and hormone production.
Ovarian rejuvenation is still considered an emerging treatment, and while results are promising, more high-quality research is needed. A recent systematic review of 38 studies reported a significant increase in Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels after treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). AMH is a hormone used to assess ovarian reserve, so these findings suggest potential benefits for women with low egg supply.
That said, ovarian rejuvenation is not a guaranteed solution, and outcomes can vary from person to person. It is best viewed as a developing option that may complement, rather than replace, established fertility treatments.
What is ovarian rejuvenation?
Ovarian rejuvenation is a cutting-edge procedure designed to support ovarian function and potentially improve egg quality. It may also help increase the number of eggs collected during IVF or egg freezing, and in some cases support natural conception.
The treatment uses PRP prepared from your own blood. PRP contains a high concentration of growth actors, which are believed to help activate dormant follicles within the ovaries and improve the ovarian environment. The benefits of PRP are widely known, as it has been utilised for many years in the treatment of sporting injuries, arthritis and even hair loss. It is in recent years that its potential in fertility treatment has been realised.
What happens during ovarian rejuvenation?
- Blood collection: A small amount of your blood is taken, similar to a routine blood test.
- PRP preparation: The blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate its components. Red and white blood cells are removed, leaving platelet-rich plasma. At The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy, a specialised protocol is used to create a highly concentrated PRP sample including stem cells as well.
- Ultrasound-guided injection: Using transvaginal ultrasound for precision, the PRP is injected directly into the ovaries with a very fine needle. This is performed under local anaesthetic or light sedation for comfort.
Ovarian rejuvenation is typically carried out at least one month before an IVF cycle to allow time for the growth factors to take effect. In our clinic’s experience, the effects may last for around three months. In some cases, mild ovarian stimulation may be recommended before treatment to make the ovaries easier to visualise and to inject with PRP.
Common reasons to consider ovarian rejuvenation
Ovarian rejuvenation may be discussed if you have been diagnosed with:
- Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR): Low AMH levels or a reduced number of follicles can limit the number of eggs available. PRP treatment may help improve ovarian response in some women.
- Premature Ovarian Aging/Failure (POF): Women experiencing or expecting early menopause or significantly reduced ovarian function at a younger age may explore this as a possible supportive option.
- Poor IVF response: If you have previously produced fewer eggs than expected during IVF stimulation, ovarian rejuvenation may be considered to try to improve response in future cycles.
- Recurrent IVF failure/implantation failure: While implantation depends on many factors, improving egg quality may be part of a broader strategy in selected cases.
- Age-related fertility decline: Natural changes in egg number and quality occur with age. Some women in their late 30s or early 40s may consider ovarian rejuvenation as part of their fertility planning.
- Polycystic Ovaries (PCO): Ovarian PRP can help to improve ovarian response and egg quality in patients with PCO.
Who might not be a good candidate (or need more caution):
Ovarian rejuvenation is not suitable for everyone. Careful medical assessment is essential, particularly in the following situations:
- Advanced age with very poor ovarian function: When ovarian reserve is extremely low and follicle activity is minimal, the likelihood of benefit may be limited.
- Active infections or metastatic disease: Any active pelvic infection or serious systemic illness must be treated and stabilised before considering a procedure of this kind.
- No menstrual activity for extended periods: Women who have no periods for a long time may have very limited remaining ovarian activity, and expectations need to be realistic.
Am I a candidate for ovarian rejuvenation?
Ovarian rejuvenation represents an exciting area of reproductive medicine, but it is not a universal solution. The decision to proceed should always follow a detailed consultation, hormone testing and ultrasound assessment with a fertility specialist.
For some women, it may offer an opportunity to improve ovarian response or support future treatment. For others, different fertility pathways may be more appropriate. The key is understanding your individual situation and making informed choices with expert guidance.
If you have been told you have low ovarian reserve, premature ovarian failure, early menopause, or a poor response to stimulation, a consultation with a fertility specialist can help you explore whether ovarian rejuvenation could form part of your plan.
To find out more about ovarian rejuvenation and whether you may be a good candidate for treatment, please contact our friendly team on 020 7224 1880, or book online using our easy-to-use booking system.
