Ovarian PRP in IVF: False Hope or Real Science?
Patient: Dr Malpani, I’ve been reading about something called ovarian PRP. My AMH is low, and one of the clinics I contacted said it can help rejuvenate my ovaries. They claim a 70% success rate. Why don’t you offer this treatment?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a very good question—and I’m glad you asked. The simple reason I don’t offer ovarian PRP is because it’s a scam. It sounds very scientific and cutting-edge, but it has no proven benefit. Unfortunately, it’s been designed to exploit patients who are desperate for any hope.
Patient: But why do so many clinics in India offer it if it doesn’t work? Surely they wouldn’t provide a treatment that’s useless?
Dr. Malpani: I wish that were true. The unfortunate reality is that many IVF clinics operate like businesses first and medical centres second. They know that patients with poor ovarian reserve are vulnerable, and they use that desperation to sell false hope. They make bold claims because there’s no one holding them accountable.
Patient: But 70% success rate! That sounds really high. Why would they lie about something like that?
Dr. Malpani: Because no one checks those numbers. They can quote any figure they like—70%, 80%, even 90%! There’s no regulatory body in India verifying or auditing their data. In contrast, clinics in the UK or US have to report their outcomes to bodies like the HFEA or SART, which ensures they can’t get away with false advertising.
Patient: So the treatment itself—what exactly is it? How is PRP supposed to work?
Dr. Malpani: PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It involves taking your own blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this into your ovaries. The theory is that these platelets contain growth factors or “magical stem cells” that can rejuvenate the ovaries. But there is no scientific proof that this actually improves egg quality or increases your chances of getting pregnant.
Patient: I still feel confused. My friend tried it at a clinic. She said at least she felt like she was doing something instead of just waiting for things to get worse.
Dr. Malpani: I completely understand that sentiment. Doing something feels better than doing nothing, especially when time is ticking. But when that “something” doesn’t actually help—and worse, delays you from doing something that might help, like considering donor eggs—it can hurt more than it helps.
Patient: Then why is this treatment so popular? Is it just because it's cheap to do?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and clinics can charge a lot for it. Drawing blood, spinning it, and injecting it sound sophisticated but are very easy to do. That’s why it’s become a favourite money-spinner for many clinics. It’s high-margin with minimal accountability.
Patient: But if it’s unethical, why don’t Indian medical authorities shut these clinics down?
Dr. Malpani: Sadly, our regulators are either overwhelmed, under-resourced, or just not doing their job. Unlike countries where oversight is tight, Indian IVF clinics can make almost any claim without consequences. That’s why you need to be especially cautious.
Patient: So what should I do if my AMH is low? Are there any real treatments that can help?
Dr. Malpani: The most honest answer is that we need to work with the eggs you have and optimise your chances with those. There’s no magic bullet to increase AMH or egg quality. But we can still plan intelligently—whether that’s with aggressive stimulation, embryo banking, or, in some cases, moving to donor eggs if needed. What’s important is that you make decisions based on truth, not hope.
Patient: How do I know whom to trust, then? Every clinic claims they’re the best, and their websites are full of glowing success stories.
Dr. Malpani: Great question—and I encourage patients to ask it! Start by checking international IVF clinic websites in the UK, US, or Australia. They’re audited and can’t afford to lie. Compare the information. If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Also, ask the clinic for published success rates and independent audits. If they can’t provide those, be sceptical.
Patient: I never thought about it that way. I just wanted to believe there was a solution for me.
Dr. Malpani: And that’s completely human. Hope is powerful. But blind hope can be dangerous. My job is to help you channel that hope in the right direction, with facts and realistic expectations, so that you don’t waste precious time, money, or emotional energy.