For people going through IVF, especially those with a low ovarian reserve or a poor response to ovarian stimulation, doctors may sometimes discuss newer approaches that are being studied alongside standard fertility treatment. One such approach is ovarian platelet-rich plasma, commonly known as ovarian PRP.

A common question among patients is: when should ovarian PRP treatment be done during IVF? There is no single timing that is suitable for every patient. The decision depends on factors such as age, ovarian reserve, previous IVF response, hormone levels and the overall fertility treatment plan.

It is also important to understand that ovarian PRP is still considered an emerging and experimental fertility treatment. Its benefits and ideal timing have not yet been clearly established.

What Is PRP in IVF?

Patients often ask, what is PRP in IVF?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is prepared from a small sample of the patient’s own blood. The blood is processed to separate a concentrated portion containing platelets and growth factors.

During an ovarian PRP procedure, this platelet-rich plasma is injected into the ovaries under medical guidance.

The idea behind the treatment is that growth factors released by platelets may influence tissue repair and ovarian activity. However, research is still ongoing, and ovarian PRP should not be considered a guaranteed method to increase egg number, improve egg quality or increase IVF success.

Who May Be Considered for Ovarian PRP?

The PRP ovarian rejuvenation procedure is generally discussed in selected fertility cases rather than being a routine part of IVF treatment.

A fertility specialist may consider discussing ovarian PRP with women who have:

• Low ovarian reserve or low AMH
• A history of poor ovarian response during IVF
• Fewer eggs retrieved in previous IVF cycles
• Premature ovarian insufficiency in selected cases
• Repeated IVF cycles with limited ovarian response

However, having one of these conditions does not automatically mean that ovarian PRP should be performed.

Tests such as AMH levels, antral follicle count, hormone tests, age and previous IVF history need to be evaluated together.

Patients concerned about their ovarian reserve can also learn more about low AMH treatment at IHR before discussing whether any additional fertility treatment may be suitable.

When Should Ovarian PRP Treatment Be Done During IVF?

There is currently no universally accepted schedule for PRP treatment in IVF.

When ovarian PRP is considered, a fertility specialist may plan the procedure before starting a new ovarian stimulation cycle. The aim is to fit the procedure into the patient’s overall IVF treatment plan rather than performing it on the same fixed day for every woman.

The exact time between the ovarian PRP procedure and the next IVF cycle can vary from patient to patient.

Doctors may want to monitor ovarian function, hormone levels and follicle development before deciding when ovarian stimulation should begin.

Because research is still developing, patients should avoid following a fixed PRP timeline found online without first undergoing a proper fertility assessment.

The better question is not simply, “Which day should ovarian PRP be done?”

Instead, patients should ask:

“Does ovarian PRP have a reasonable role in my IVF plan, and if so, when should it be scheduled for my particular fertility condition?”

How Is the PRP Ovarian Rejuvenation Procedure Performed?

The PRP ovarian rejuvenation procedure usually begins by collecting a small amount of blood from the patient.

The blood sample is processed so that the platelet-rich portion can be separated from the other components.

The prepared PRP is then introduced into the ovaries using a fine needle under ultrasound guidance. The procedure should be performed by an appropriately trained fertility team in a clinical setting.

Before undergoing the procedure, patients should discuss preparation, anaesthesia or sedation, recovery instructions, possible risks and follow-up with their fertility specialist.

Can Ovarian PRP Improve IVF Success?

This is one of the most important questions for anyone considering PRP treatment in IVF.

Some early studies have investigated whether ovarian PRP could influence ovarian reserve markers or improve ovarian response. However, current evidence is not strong enough to confirm that ovarian PRP improves pregnancy rates or live-birth rates.

For this reason, PRP should not replace established steps of IVF treatment such as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilisation, embryo development and embryo transfer.

Patients should understand both the possible benefits being researched and the limitations of the available evidence before making a decision.

Those who are new to fertility treatment can also read IHR’s guide to IVF treatment in Kolkata to understand how a standard IVF cycle works.

Why Should PRP Timing Be Decided by a Fertility Specialist?

Every woman’s fertility situation is different.

Two women with the same AMH level may still respond differently to treatment because several other factors are involved, including:

Age, menstrual history, ultrasound findings, previous IVF response, ovarian reserve, egg quality and other fertility-related conditions.

At IHR, Dr. Surya Agarwal and the fertility team can evaluate these factors before discussing whether an ovarian PRP procedure may have any role in an individual IVF treatment plan.

A detailed consultation is particularly important for patients who have experienced poor ovarian response, have a low ovarian reserve or are considering additional treatment options after an unsuccessful IVF cycle.

Conclusion

So, when should ovarian PRP treatment be done during IVF?

There is no single day or fixed timeline that applies to every patient. If ovarian PRP is being considered, its timing should be planned according to the patient’s ovarian assessment, previous IVF history and overall fertility treatment strategy.

More importantly, the ovarian PRP procedure remains an emerging treatment. Patients should discuss the available evidence, possible risks, treatment alternatives and realistic expectations with an experienced fertility specialist before proceeding.

Patients considering IVF, dealing with low ovarian reserve or experiencing a poor response in previous IVF cycles can consult Dr. Surya Agarwal and the fertility team at IHR for an individual fertility assessment and appropriate treatment guidance.