Evaluating the Effectiveness of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy in Enhancing Endometrial Receptivity for Women with Infertility: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Infertility is a condition that affects a significant percentage of couples globally, affecting their social and psychological well-being. It disrupts many aspects of life, influencing individuals' social and psychological experiences. The primary causes of infertility are diverse and include endogenous factors, various psychological variables, congenital or acquired disorders in females, and genetic and hormonal issues in males. In females, implantation failure is a key obstacle to successful embryo implantation, with poor endometrial receptivity being a major contributing factor. Several methods have been explored to enhance endometrial thickness and improve implantation success rates. These include treatments such as granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, vaginal sildenafil, and estrogens. Among these, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising approach. PRP, derived from the patient's own blood, is rich in growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These factors are crucial in promoting cell replication and tissue regeneration. PRP therapy has shown significant potential in enhancing endometrial proliferation and improving pregnancy rates, particularly in patients with thin endometrium and those with a history of recurrent implantation failure. Numerous studies have reported that intrauterine PRP treatment leads to increased endometrial thickness and better clinical pregnancy outcomes. The PRP is obtained through a centrifugation process that separates platelet-rich plasma from red blood cells. This PRP is then injected into the endometrial cavity, typically midcycle, to boost endometrial receptivity. Systematic reviews have consistently highlighted the positive effects of PRP treatment on pregnancy outcomes in women with thin endometrium, offering hope to those facing challenges with implantation and fertility. PRP therapy represents a promising advancement in reproductive medicine, providing an effective option for improving endometrial receptivity and achieving successful pregnancies.

Keywords: Endometrium thickness (ET); infertility; platelet-rich plasma (PRP); pregnancy.

Figure 1

Steps of formation of PRP