We were recently talking about IVI Regenerates, a novel technique in reproductive medicine. The use of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is a viable alternative that offers hope to women with a difficult prognosis. It is a pioneering technology for the treatment of refractory endometria, premature ovarian failure or low ovarian reserve.
The main advantage of this technique is that it works with biological material from the patient herself, avoiding the rejections that could arise with donated material. All this makes IVI Regenera a painless, fast, safe technique with great guarantees of success.
We wanted Dr. Marcos Ferrando, director of IVI Bilbao, to explain to us in this post what it is, how it is applied and the results that this technique is giving today.
IVI Regenera trial led by IVI Bilbao
Aware of the multiple advantages of this technique, IVI Bilbao has carried out the first trial in the use of plasma enriched with growth factors, for patients with endometrial problems.
“This treatment, IVI Regenera, is based on the principles of regenerative medicine. The objective is to restore ‘the biological environment’, imitating and accelerating the regeneration processes of the organism itself. The process consists of obtaining growth factors from the patient’s own blood plasma. Later they will be applied, either to the endometrium of the same or, in a later phase, to their ovaries, to regenerate them “, explains Dr. Marcos Ferrando, director of IVI Bilbao, Santander, San Sebastián, Vitoria and Logroño.
Patients with refractory endometrium have been the protagonists of the first trial led by IVI Bilbao. These women were treated with plasma rich in growth factors, which would help the endometrium reach the optimal thickness for gestation. The results obtained represent an important advance in terms of successful options in assisted reproduction for this patient profile. The result? The most hopeful: 4 babies born to women who, if it weren’t for this technique, would not have been able to see their wish fulfilled.
“At IVI we have been working with platelet factors for nearly five years, to offer patients with endometrial and / or ovarian problems the option of being mothers. The results obtained push us to continue on this path. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) has shown a positive effect in the short term in terms of efficacy, safety and minimal invasiveness for patients ”, adds Dr. Ferrando.
Next step: Regenerate the ovary
The encouraging results achieved thanks to the application of PRGF in the endometrium, have encouraged the start of a new trial with patients diagnosed with ovarian problems.
“This patient profile is the most frequent in assisted reproduction consultations. One of the factors that most affects the quality and quantity of oocytes is age, and reality shows that each time women delay their age to have their first child – according to the INE, is already over 32 years old. There are few solutions for these types of patients. However, this regenerative power has been seen in platelet factors, to ensure that they have more eggs or that the ovaries that had already ceased their function are reactivated. Our goal is to help them fulfill their dream, with the best results and the best guarantees ”says Dr. Ferrando.
Mª Carmen’s story: repeat abortions, failed transfers and an endometrial problem
Mª Carmen, a 47-year-old Basque, was always clear that she wanted to be a mother. After years of struggle, today she can finally enjoy her wish fulfilled, her 6 and 2 year old girls.
“I started on the fertility path at 37 years old. I got pregnant naturally twice, but they ended in miscarriage. That’s when I started to suspect that something was wrong. My desire to be a mother was as great as the fear of not getting it. I found out about assisted reproduction clinics and went directly to the one with the best references “, says Mª Carmen.
Age is the cause of increasing the chances of abortion and genetic abnormalities in embryos. This is why, after studying her reproductive history, Mª Carmen and her husband at that time decided to start in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, with genetic diagnosis of the embryos. To this must be added a problem in the endometrium of our patient, which makes it difficult for it to reach the thickness necessary for pregnancy.
“After several unsuccessful referrals, Dr. Ferrando told me about a study treatment of growth factors obtained from my own blood that could help me, but it was in the testing phase. My fears and doubts grew, and time takes its toll on a psychological level, distancing me from what I most wanted. Finally, months later, we decided to try it with the last two embryos that were still frozen. The miracle happened giving rise to my first daughter, the engine of my life “, explains our protagonist.
Second pregnancy, thanks to IVI Regenera Endo
Five months after giving birth to their little girl, taking into account the previous failures, Mª Carmen and her husband at that time decided to try again. Our patient was already on her way to 42 years of age, so age was once again an obstacle to obtaining oocytes. Later, when her daughter turns 1, Mª Carmen and her husband divorce.
“2 months later I went to IVI Bilbao and told Dr. Ferrando about my situation. I could not make use of shared embryos, but I was convinced and excited to be a mother again. I decide to start my adventure alone, with the help of the professionals at the clinic who almost became my family “, Add.
After several unsuccessful transfers and with the same problem around the thickness of the endometrium. But, at that moment the essay that Dr. Ferrando spoke to Mª Carmen a few years earlier was already a reality.
“We asked to be part of the study and we did the treatment of growth factors obtained from my own blood. It was very simple and luck smiled on us again: I was pregnant with my second daughter. At 44 years old, with my own eggs and as a single mother by choice, thanks to IVI Regenera Endo and the professionalism of IVI Bilbao. In total, they were 5 years of adventures and misadventures, of laughter and struggle. But above all, mutual support. A hard, delicate road, but one that I will always remember with a smile and the satisfaction of having won the battle against infertility. The travel companions have been the best and I will be eternally grateful “, concludes this feisty mother.
Ovarian activation: present and future of assisted reproduction
IVI is a leader in our country in the field of ovarian activation, thanks to constant research work. This field, better known as’ ovarian rejuvenation, draws a promising future for the majority of patients, with ovarian problems, who attend clinics such as IVI.
“Techniques that we use in our clinical practice, such as OFFA, 4-step ASCOT or IVI Regenera itself, allow us to reverse ovarian aging, with spectacular results. All of them are focused on recovering ovarian function in patients with low response or ovarian failure. They are a real alternative when it comes to getting pregnant with their own eggs, something unthinkable apart from ovarian activation “, concludes in doctor Ferrando.
