Improving the Uterine Lining Before Embryo Transfer: PRP, Growth Factors & More
Learn how PRP and growth factors may help improve uterine lining before embryo transfer in IVF.
In short: The lining of the uterus is one of the most important factors in the success of embryo transfer: it must be thick enough and well supplied with blood. Newer ways to improve it include growth factors that stimulate cell renewal and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This is most useful after repeated implantation failure.
The uterine lining plays a key role in the success of embryo transfer during IVF. For an embryo to attach and pregnancy to begin, the lining needs to reach a suitable thickness and contain healthy, blood-vessel-rich tissue.
A thin or underdeveloped uterine lining can sometimes make it harder for even a good-quality embryo to implant. That’s why preparing the uterine lining carefully before transfer is such an important step — and why fertility specialists may recommend medications or specific techniques to support this process.
In this article, we take a closer look at some of the newer approaches used to help improve the uterine lining, including growth factor therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma).
What are growth factors?
Growth factors are natural proteins found in the body that help stimulate cells to repair, renew, and grow.
What role do growth factors play in the body?
- Supporting normal development
- Helping wounds heal
- Maintaining healthy tissue
Can imbalances in growth factors affect fertility?
Yes — in both men and women, changes in the level or signaling of growth factors may play a role in fertility challenges.
How do growth factors relate to fertility?
- They help regulate ovarian processes, including egg maturation and survival
- They support processes in the testis, including sperm maturation and motility
- They influence the endometrium, affecting its receptivity and growth
- They play an important role in early embryo development
Can growth factors support endometrial function?
Research suggests that altered growth factor levels may be linked to implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage, which is why interest in supporting healthy growth factor activity has grown in fertility care.
How are growth factors used in IVF and ICSI treatment?
- In patients with a lower ovarian response, to support follicle growth and maturation
- In patients who have experienced repeated implantation failure, to help support endometrial development, receptivity, and embryo implantation
- In men with reduced sperm quality, growth factor treatments are being studied in research, but they are not an established treatment
It is important to know that these uses are still being studied. International guidelines (ESHRE 2023) do not yet recommend growth factor treatments or PRP for routine use, because large trials have not proven that they increase the chance of a baby. They may be considered for selected patients — for example, a persistently thin lining despite standard treatment — after discussing the limited evidence with your doctor.
What is PRP therapy?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy uses a concentrate of platelets prepared from the patient’s own blood through a centrifugation process. This platelet
Before considering these newer options, your doctor will usually first check the uterus by ultrasound or hysteroscopy for problems such as adhesions or polyps, and adjust the dose, route and duration of estrogen treatment — these established steps solve many cases of thin lining.-rich plasma, which naturally contains many growth factors, may then be injected into the ovaries or uterus as part of a personalized treatment plan.
Are there synthetic growth factor treatments available?
Yes. A number of synthetic growth factor preparations have been developed, and ongoing research and clinical experience continue to explore their role in fertility treatment.
If you have been advised that your uterine lining needs extra support before embryo transfer, or if you have experienced implantation difficulties in the past, the fertility team at Dr. Najeeb Layyous clinic can help assess your situation and discuss which options may be suitable for your individual case.
Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G
Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist
The finest doctor in Jordan — may God bless him and his whole medical team. A doctor in every sense of the word. I advise anyone planning a pregnancy to visit Dr. Najeeb Layyous. His manner is wonderful, always smiling, with the highest ethics; he gives every patient her due, and the patient’s comfort matters most to him. We had been to many doctors and none understood and treated my case except him. Special thanks to him and the whole team, and to Dina in particular — a lovely person. I recommend anyone considering IVF or pregnancy to visit his clinic.