Breaking Down the Ovarian Rejuvenation Procedure Step by Step
Feb 13, 2024
Ovarian rejuvenation is one of the most cutting-edge technologies available for people trying to conceive, and Gen 5 Fertility is the first — and only — fertility clinic in the United States to offer fourth-generation ovarian rejuvenation.
You might be wondering what this treatment is, what it entails, and what to expect before you begin your ovarian rejuvenation journey. We can help with that.
Our providers — Dr. Samuel Wood, Dr. Benito Villanueva, and Dr. Martin Bastuba — are here to walk you through every step of ovarian rejuvenation and ensure you’re well informed and prepared for the process long before it begins.
First, let’s clarify what this process is and who needs it.
Ovarian rejuvenation involves one of three slightly varying procedures that aid in conception. These three procedures are PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, EnPLAF (enriched platelet factors) therapy, and ULTRA, a procedure only offered here at our San Diego office.
Ovarian rejuvenation is specifically effective for people with uteruses who want to conceive but are experiencing difficulty. The best candidates for these procedures are usually those with:
Many patients have found success with this process. According to a 2023 study, ovarian rejuvenation improved ovarian tissue and function in a test group of 469 patients with a history of infertility. If you’re wondering if this treatment might be right for you, discuss it with one of our specialists.
If you qualify as a suitable candidate for ovarian rejuvenation, let’s fast forward to the day of your procedure and explore what it will be like.
The first thing we do is draw some blood from you. Using your own blood greatly decreases any chance of infection and increases the likelihood that your body will respond well. We also prepare you for a series of injections.
Next, we prepare the blood for injection. If you’re undergoing PRP, the platelets in the blood are activated, which means they start producing growth factors immediately.
If you’re undergoing EnPLAF, we place the platelets in an incubator, where they release their growth factors into a fluid.
If you’re undergoing ULTRA, we harvest PRP and EnPLAF and use them together. You can only get this combo procedure here at Gen 5 Fertility Clinic, and it offers a powerful blend of the two solutions.
The only other difference is the time it takes to prepare each type of injection. For PRP, it takes only about an hour, while EnPLAF takes two and a half hours. ULTRA takes about three hours to prepare.
Next, we inject the solution. We use ultrasound imaging to determine the location of your ovaries, which makes the injections precise. There is also no need for anesthesia, as the procedure isn’t painful.
The procedure doesn’t require an overnight stay; you’ll be ready to return home after the injection. Side effects of this procedure are rare, and most patients don’t feel any symptoms.
After the procedure, we give you a timeline for receiving follow-up blood tests. These blood tests allow us to check your hormone levels and determine whether the procedure has positively affected your ovarian functions.
After you receive the treatment, you may require additional procedures, but this is usually not the case. Most patients find that, with one ovarian rejuvenation procedure, they experience an improvement in their hormones that can lead to conception. Follow-ups sometimes require additional procedures, such as IVF, but this depends on your post-procedure results.
We can complete this procedure in one day, and it offers considerable results for many patients with almost no side effects or issues. If you’re ready to learn more about ovarian rejuvenation, start your journey today.
Call our San Diego, California, office or book your appointment online. We’d love to discuss our fertility treatments and help you realize the family of your dreams.