Primary Ovarian Insufficiency and PRP Therapy
Ovarian insufficiency affects women between the age of 30 and 45. The condition is a concern since most people postpone having children until that age. Fortunately, PRP therapy from your San Diego fertility clinic could increase your pregnancy rate. Read on for more on primary ovarian insufficiency and treatments to stimulate ovaries and address infertility.
What is primary ovarian insufficiency?
POI (Primary Ovarian Insufficiency) describes a condition that affects a woman’s ovaries as she approaches age 30. Most people with POI will experience irregular menstrual periods.
Many factors can cause POI. In some cases, it is challenging to determine the factors. But POI occurs when there is a problem with the functioning of the follicles. Follicles are ovarian sacs responsible for producing eggs for fertilization.
Follicles also regulate progesterone and estrogen. Estrogen levels rise before ovulation to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Progesterone prepares the uterus for implantation.
A woman’s body produces a finite number of ovarian fluid-filled sacs at birth. Aging may cause insufficiency, which reduces your chances of conceiving. It could also be that your body has run out of follicles.
Your healthcare provider can use ultrasound to check your follicle count. The status of your ovarian reserve will determine your chances of conceiving.
What causes ovarian insufficiency?
Several factors can cause your ovarian reserve to deplete. Women may develop an ovarian insufficiency problem due to genetic conditions like fragile X syndrome.
Other conditions that may cause ovarian insufficiency include:
- Autoimmune diseases like thyroid autoimmunity and autoimmune oophoritis
- Exposure to radiation during chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Metabolic problems such as insulin resistance and high blood pressure
- Exposure to cigarette smoke or toxins
POI risk factors and potential complications
You have an increased risk of ovarian insufficiency if someone in your family has the condition. Your family history is a crucial part of the diagnostic process.
Research on ovarian insufficiency shows smoking triples the risk of POI for women over 26. Your healthcare provider may recommend quitting to increase the chances of conceiving fertility.
Early POI intervention is crucial to prevent complications such as:
- Heart problems: Depletion of estrogen affects the lining of the blood vessels. It may cause the hardening of arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease.
- Lethargy and fatigue: Diminishing estrogen levels may influence the thyroid gland, causing fatigue and irritability.
- Stress and anxiety: Infertility can cause anxiety and stress. The problem may worsen, causing depression due to erratic hormonal changes.
- Infertility: Diagnosis can identify the cause of infertility. Treatment could address the underlying factors and restore your fertility.
PRP therapy for ovarian insufficiency
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a treatment that involves extracting plasma from your blood and reinjecting a concentrated sample. The solution contains growth factors the body needs for healing and cell regeneration.
Research indicates PRP can be an effective modality for addressing ovarian insufficiency. Injecting PRP into the ovaries elevates progesterone and hormone levels. It increases the number of eggs in the follicles and improves your pregnancy rate.
To find out if PRP treatment is right for your case, contact Gen 5 Fertility to schedule a consultation today.