Abstract
PURPOSE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been used as an adjunct to fertility treatments in women with very low ovarian reserve and premature ovarian insufficiency. Recent literature in both humans and animals suggest that intraovarian PRP administration in the setting of poor ovarian reserve may help ovarian function and increase the chances of pregnancy. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search through PubMed, MEDLINE databases, and recent abstracts published at relevant society meetings was performed and resulted in 25 articles and 2 abstracts published that studied effect of PRP on the ovaries for the purpose of reproduction. RESULTS: This review article presents all the data published to date pertaining to intraovarian PRP injection and pregnancy, both naturally and after in vitro fertilization. It also presents the most recent data on the use of ovarian PRP in in vitro and animal model studies highlighting the possible mechanisms by which PRP could impact ovarian function. CONCLUSIONS: Even though recent commentaries questioned the use of PRP as an "add-on" therapy in fertility treatment because it has not been thoroughly studied, the recent basic science studies presented here could increase awareness for considering more serious research into the efficacy of PRP as an adjunct for women with poor ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, and even early menopause who are trying to conceive using their own oocytes. Given its low-risk profile, the hypothetical benefit of PRP treatment needs to be studied with larger randomized controlled trials.