Effects of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma on Endometrium Thickness and Pregnancy Rates During Intrauterine Insemination

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the endometrium and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing insemination due to unexplained infertility. Methods: 24 patients who were admitted to the clinic due to unexplained infertility, analyzed retrospectively between March 2018 and October 2018. Gonadotropin induction was initiated on day 3 of the cycle for follicular growth. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was applied for ovulation induction at the point that at least 1 follicle that is over 16 mm was detected by transvaginal ultrasound. 17.5 ml of blood from the patient's venous system was drawn for the preparation of the PRP which includes 4-5 times more platelets than regular blood. PRP was administered to 12 patients (Group 1) on the hCG day, while hCG was solely administered to the other group (Group 2) and both groups were inseminated 36 hours later. Results: The demographic properties of all patients were determined as follows: mean age; 29.13 years old (±3.4), mean infertility period; 1.96 years (±1.08), mean ovulation induction period; 7.92 days (±1.76), mean antral follicle count; 14.54 (±6.56), mean dominant follicle count; 2.04 (±0.75). Although there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of clinical pregnancy (3/12 vs 2/12, p: 0.623), the change in endometrial thickness was significantly higher in the PRP administered group (1.95 mm vs 0.44 mm, p< 0.001). Conclusion: PRP application before the insemination seems promising for the preparation of the endometrium in patients having an inadequate endometrial thickness or in patients experiencing recurrent implantation failure.