PRP for Infertility Support in Sharjah

What is PRP for infertility support?

PRP for infertility support is the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a concentrate of the platelets in your own blood, to support the two parts of the reproductive system that fertility care depends on most: the ovaries, which hold the eggs, and the endometrium, the lining of the womb where an embryo implants. Platelets release growth factors, signalling proteins that encourage blood vessel growth and tissue repair, and PRP delivers them in concentrated form to the tissue being treated.

There are two forms, and they are different procedures:

| | Endometrial PRP | Intra-ovarian PRP |
|---|---|---|
| Where the plasma goes | Into the cavity of the womb, onto the lining | Into the tissue of each ovary |
| How it is placed | A soft, thin tube passed through the cervix | A fine needle guided by vaginal ultrasound |
| Comfort | Usually no anaesthetic, similar to a smear test | Given under sedation |
| Timing | Days before ovulation or embryo transfer | Planned around the menstrual cycle |

PRP is an adjunct: it is added to your fertility plan, whether that plan is ovulation tracking, ovulation induction or assisted conception such as IVF. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, PRP for infertility support is performed in-house by the gynaecology and obstetrics team.

Who needs it

PRP is considered for specific situations identified during a fertility work-up:

• a thin endometrium that stays thin on scans despite hormone treatment
• repeated embryo transfers with good-quality embryos that have ended without a pregnancy
• low ovarian reserve, shown by a low AMH blood test or few follicles on ultrasound
• early decline in ovarian function, sometimes called premature ovarian insufficiency

The starting point is always an infertility consultation, which looks at ovulation, the womb, the fallopian tubes and the male partner together. Many causes of difficulty conceiving have well-established treatments that come first: ovulation problems linked to PCOS, polyps or adhesions inside the womb that hysteroscopy can find and remove, or sperm factors assessed through male infertility treatment. PRP is discussed once these have been looked at, as one possible addition to your plan.

What happens

Both forms of PRP begin the same way. A blood sample is taken from your arm on the day, spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma, and prepared for use within the same visit.

For endometrial PRP, you lie on the examination couch as for a smear test. A speculum is placed, the cervix is cleaned, and a thin, soft tube is passed gently through the cervix into the womb. The plasma is released onto the lining, the tube is withdrawn, and you rest briefly before going home. Endometrial PRP is timed to a specific point in your treatment cycle and may be given more than once in the same cycle, guided by scans of the lining.

For intra-ovarian PRP, you receive sedation so you are drowsy and comfortable. The gynaecologist uses a vaginal ultrasound probe fitted with a needle guide, the same approach used for egg collection. A fine needle passes through the top of the vagina into each ovary, and the plasma is placed at several points within the ovarian tissue. You rest until the sedation wears off and go home the same day with someone to accompany you.

Preparing for it

Your treatment is planned around your cycle, so call the clinic on the first day of your period as instructed. Bring all previous fertility reports, including hormone results, scan reports, semen analysis and any IVF cycle summaries, because these shape the timing and the choice of procedure.

For intra-ovarian PRP, follow the fasting instructions for sedation carefully and arrange for an adult to take you home. For both forms, list every medicine and supplement you take; anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce platelet activity and the gynaecologist may ask you to pause them. Drink plenty of water beforehand to make the blood draw easier. If treatment falls in Ramadan, raise it early so fasting, sedation and cycle timing can be planned together.

Afterwards

After endometrial PRP, mild cramping and light spotting are normal and daily activity continues as usual. After intra-ovarian PRP, expect pelvic aching and some spotting; rest for the remainder of the day and use the pain relief the team recommends. Follow-up scans and hormone blood tests show how your ovaries or lining are responding and guide the next step in your fertility plan.

Fertility treatment asks a great deal emotionally. The gynaecology team explains each step and its timing, and you are welcome to bring your husband to appointments.

Contact the hospital if you develop a fever, a foul-smelling discharge, or pelvic pain that keeps increasing. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you have severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or feel faint or breathless.**

Cost and insurance

Many UAE insurance plans exclude or limit fertility treatment, and PRP as an add-on treatment is usually self-pay. The investigations that come before it, such as hormone tests, scans and hysteroscopy, may be covered depending on your plan and often need pre-approval. Sedation and the blood preparation are part of the cost of intra-ovarian PRP. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can explain the costs and help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.