PRP - Uterine Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy

PRP after an unsuccessful embryo transfer

A good-quality embryo, a smooth transfer, the right hormones. And two weeks later, a negative test. Again.

Attention usually goes to the embryo. But a transfer has two sides. The other one is the lining of the uterus (endometrium) – the place where the embryo has to implant. When the lining is thin, scarred or doesn’t respond to standard preparation, even the best embryo has nowhere to settle. This is where we use PRP.

What intrauterine PRP is and how it works

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a concentrate made from your own blood. We take a small blood sample, separate the plasma in a centrifuge and apply it into the uterus.

Platelets contain growth factors that the body normally uses to control healing. The aim is to improve blood flow to the lining and its ability to accept an embryo. Because the material comes from your own body, there is no risk of rejection.

Who PRP is suitable for

We don’t offer PRP “just in case”. We consider it when standard approaches haven’t been enough:

• Thin endometrium – a lining that hasn’t reached around 7 mm, even with good preparation.
• Recurrent implantation failure – several transfers of good-quality embryos without pregnancy and without any other explanation.
• A lining affected by previous uterine procedures – for example after an infection, a curettage or removal of adhesions.
• A lining that doesn’t respond to hormonal preparation.

Whether PRP makes sense for you is something we decide together at a consultation. Sometimes it doesn’t – and if so, we’ll tell you.

Why we don’t offer ovarian PRP

You may have heard of “ovarian rejuvenation”. We don’t offer it. There is no evidence that it works, and the procedure is invasive, done under general anaesthesia and expensive. For people who have been through repeated disappointments, we only want to offer what is backed by data.

Intrauterine application is different. It doesn’t require anaesthesia, there are more studies, and their results are more positive.

How PRP treatment works, step by step

1. At the consultation, we go through your medical records and assess whether PRP is suitable for you and whether anything rules it out.
2. On the day of the procedure, we take blood from your arm, just like a routine blood test.
3. We prepare a platelet concentrate from the blood.
4. We introduce it into the uterus through a thin catheter – the same way as in an embryo transfer. No anaesthesia, usually painless, within a few minutes.
5. After a short rest, you go home. No restrictions on your normal routine.
6. We use ultrasound to check how the lining has responded and plan your transfer.

How does PRP help? What we know about its effectiveness

Studies report a thicker lining and more pregnancies after PRP in women with thin endometrium and recurrent implantation failure. However, the studies are still small and protocols vary. That is why professional societies consider PRP a complementary method.

So PRP may improve your chances. But nobody can promise you it will work. It won’t fix embryo quality or genetic causes. It is one of the tools, not a solution.

Is PRP safe?

It is your own blood, so the risk of an allergic reaction is minimal. Some women feel a mild pulling sensation in the lower abdomen or have light spotting. As with any procedure in the uterus, there is a small risk of infection.

We won’t perform PRP if you have an acute pelvic infection, untreated chronic endometritis, a platelet disorder, are taking medication that affects platelets, or have an active cancer. We’ll go through everything beforehand.

PRP price and where we offer it

The price is EUR 300 and PRP therapy is available at all PRONATAL clinics.