Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Technique (PRGF) in assisted reproduction
What is it?
The Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) technique is a novel treatment in the field of regenerative medicine. It is a more elaborate variant with enhanced qualities compared to that known as platelet-rich plasma or PRP, and is used in various medical fields on a regular basis.
The procedure involves applying a compound to the patient from their own processed blood, which contains strong anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative properties.
PRGF is used in treatments such as traumatology or odontology, and is also used successfully in some procedures for reproduction treatment.
What is this technique used for in assisted reproduction?
The application of the PRGF technique is carried out in Eugin’s centres to improve assisted reproduction results in two situations in which its effectiveness has been scientifically proven: in women with a refractory thin endometrium, i.e. when the endometrium does not acquire adequate thickness, which is essential for pregnancy to occur; and in patients with implantation failure.
In both cases, the patient’s own plasma rich in growth factors is applied to the woman’s uterus using the same technique as insemination (it is transferred through a simple and painless process using a thin cannula). The process is repeated up to three times before embryo transfer.
Use of the PRGF technique in patients with a thin endometrium
A refractory thin endometrium is understood to mean a situation in which the endometrium is not able to reach the appropriate endometrial thickness after endometrial hormone preparatory treatment and any causal pathology has been ruled out.
It has been shown that thin endometrium decreases the rates of gestation, however, the therapeutic options for increasing endometrial thicknesses in this group of patients are very limited.
The use of PRGF is presented as an effective alternative for patients with refractory thin endometrium. Studies show that through this treatment, the endometrium is thickened in the majority of cases and thus increase the chances of implantation of the embryo, as well as the possibilities of successful pregnancy.
Even in cases of severe adhesive syndromes such as Asherman’s Syndrome, where fibrous endometrial bands are created and collapse the uterine cavity, PRGF has been reported to improve endometrial function by decreasing fibrosis and promoting cell regeneration.
Use of the PRGF technique in patients with implantation failure
In women with implantation failure, therapeutic options with proven effectiveness are very limited, so the use of PRGF presents itself as an effective alternative for this type of patient. PRGF acts on the endometrium of these patients by stimulating their cells, such that they begin to secrete more progesterone and oestrogen receptors, leading to the appearance of more adhesion molecules for the embryo. This increases the likelihood both of implantation and of successful pregnancy.
Other applications of the Plasma Rich in Growth Factors technique
There is also another type of application of this PRGF technique, which for the moment is a technique in an experimental phase, and concerning which there is currently much scientific debate. It is a procedure known as “ovarian rejuvenation”, which proposes to offer a solution to egg ageing, which causes the chances of pregnancy to decrease as a woman ages.
In any case, it is necessary to take into account that the technique of ovarian rejuvenation does not seek to “rejuvenate” but to try to achieve a higher number of eggs. In other words, as a woman gets older, both the quantity and quality of her eggs decreases. By applying this procedure, the aim is to increase the number of active eggs, but the procedure has no effect on the quality of these, which is still measured in relation to the patient’s age. Therefore, the clinical indication for this technique would be for young women.
In any case, specialists dealing with the use of the PRGF technique experts always assess the suitability of this treatment together with the patients, in parallel to the assisted reproduction process.
Discover our assisted reproduction clinics in Barcelona and Madrid
Eugin has a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together to offer the best treatment option for each individual. It also has the latest technology and Artificial Intelligence tools, such as EXPECTmore, which accurately predict a woman’s chances of pregnancy.
Eugin is also a pioneer in the implementation of the unique and innovative concept of ‘nests’, which is already being implemented in clinics in Barcelona and Madrid, and which puts the patient at the centre of the care model. These are private rooms, connected to the examination rooms, which become the hub of your visit to the clinic, and it is the specialists and professionals who move around as required.