Understanding Ovarian Rejuvenation Procedure: What You Need to Know

Ovarian rejuvenation is a relatively new technique developed to help women struggling with infertility. It involves using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into the ovaries to stimulate the growth of new follicles, potentially increasing pregnancy chances.

While still a relatively new procedure, ovarian rejuvenation is showing great promise in fertility medicine. Many women are turning to this treatment as a possible solution to their fertility problems; some have reported success.

If you are dealing with infertility issues, ovarian rejuvenation therapy can help. So, it is important to consult with one of the best fertility specialists in India.

At Bloom IVF, a reputed IVF centre in Mumbai, India, Dr Hrishikesh Pai offers advanced and effective treatments for infertility and reproductive disorders. He is a renowned fertility specialist and IVF doctor in India, having 35+ years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. 

Dr Hrishikesh Pai employs cutting-edge reproductive techniques such as ovarian rejuvenation in Mumbai to overcome infertility due to low or poor ovarian reserve. 

Moreover, Dr Hrishikesh Pai has the knowledge and expertise to determine if ovarian rejuvenation is appropriate for you. Besides, he can provide guidance and support throughout the treatment process to help maximize your chances of success.

In this blog, we will explore the science behind ovarian rejuvenation, how it works, its potential benefits and risks, and what women should know before undergoing this procedure.

First, let’s know,

What is Ovarian Rejuvenation?

• It is the process of restoring or improving the function of ovaries in women who have experienced fertility issues due to diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure.
• This procedure has been gaining popularity in recent years as more women delay childbearing, and many face infertility due to age-related changes in their reproductive system.
• The idea behind ovarian rejuvenation is that it may stimulate the ovaries to produce new follicles and increase the number of eggs available for fertilization. This could improve a woman’s chances of conceiving naturally or through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

There are several different methods of ovarian rejuvenation, including:

• Stem cell ovarian rejuvenation: This involves injecting the patient’s stem cells into the ovaries to stimulate the growth of new eggs. 

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for fertility: It involves injecting the patient’s platelets into the ovaries to stimulate the growth of new eggs. The platelets contain growth factors that can promote cell growth and regeneration.

• Ovarian tissue transplantation: This involves removing a small piece of ovarian tissue from the patient and transplanting it back into the body. The transplanted tissue can then produce new eggs.

Now, let’s discuss,

Ovarian Rejuvenation Procedure

• Ovarian rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a woman’s blood products, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or autologous stem cells, into the ovaries. 
• These blood products contain growth factors and other substances that may promote ovarian tissue regeneration and stimulate new follicle growth.
• The hope is that this will improve the quality and quantity of eggs produced by the ovaries, potentially rejuvenating fertility and increasing the chances of pregnancy.
• The process of ovarian rejuvenation involves several steps. 
• First, the doctor removes a small amount of the patient’s blood and then centrifuges it to separate the platelets or stem cells from the rest of the blood. Then, they concentrate the platelets to create the PRP solution.
• The doctor then uses ultrasound guidance to inject the blood products directly into the ovaries.
• The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and takes about 30 minutes. 

Let’s know,

Benefits of Ovarian Rejuvenation

The potential benefits of ovarian rejuvenation include:

1. Increased chances of conceiving naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.

2. Preservation of fertility for women undergoing cancer treatments that could damage their ovaries.

3. Improvement in the quality of existing eggs.

4. Restoration of the function of aging ovaries.

5. Providing a much-needed solution for women who are struggling with infertility.

Ovarian Rejuvenation Side Effects and Risks

As with any medical procedure, ovarian rejuvenation carries few risks and potential side effects. These may include:

• Infection at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising at the injection site
• Ovarian cysts or other abnormalities
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)

However, these risks are generally considered low, and most women experience only mild discomfort or none at all following the procedure.

Now, let’s know more about,

Precautions & Pre-operative Care for Ovarian Rejuvenation

If you are considering undergoing ovarian rejuvenation, you should take several precautions and pre-operative care steps to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

1. Consulting with a fertility specialist to determine if ovarian rejuvenation is a viable option.

2. Discussing any potential risks and benefits of the procedure with the doctor.

3. Undergoing a thorough medical evaluation to assess overall health and suitability for the procedure.

4. Following any specific pre-operative instructions the doctor provides, such as fasting before the procedure or stopping certain medications.

5. Preparing for discomfort or pain after the procedure and planning to manage it.

Post-procedure Recovery for Ovarian Rejuvenation 

After the ovarian rejuvenation procedure, taking care of yourself and following the below guidelines are essential to ensure a smooth recovery. 

1. Rest: After the procedure, rest for a few days to allow your body to heal.

2. Medications: Follow the prescribed medication schedule.

3. Physical activity: Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for a few days to avoid complications.

4. Diet: Follow a healthy and balanced diet to promote healing.

5. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

6. Follow-up appointments: Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.

7. Sexual activity: Your doctor may advise avoiding sexual activity for a few days after the procedure.

8. Work: Take some time off from work if necessary to allow your body to recover.

Remember, every person’s recovery process is different. If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is ovarian rejuvenation painful?

A. Ovarian rejuvenation is performed under anesthesia so patients do not experience pain during the procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or cramp afterwards.

Q. How soon after ovarian rejuvenation can I try to conceive?

A. Patients can attempt to conceive as soon as they feel comfortable after the procedure. However, following your doctor’s instructions regarding post-procedure care and recovery is essential.

Q. What is the cost of ovarian rejuvenation?

A. The cost of ovarian rejuvenation can vary depending on the hospital’s location, the doctor’s expertise, and whether the procedure is combined with other fertility treatments. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the exact cost of the procedure.

Q. Does ovarian rejuvenation improve egg quality?

Ovarian rejuvenation may improve egg quality by stimulating the development of new follicles and improving the quality of existing eggs in the ovaries. 

Q. What are the signs of poor egg quality?

A. Signs of poor egg quality may include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• Reduced ovarian reserve (low AMH or high FSH levels).
• Advanced maternal age.
• Recurrent miscarriages.
• Failed fertility treatments, such as IVF.
• Genetic abnormalities in previous pregnancies.
• Poor response to ovarian stimulation during fertility treatment.
• Abnormal follicle development during fertility treatment.