Infertility Conditions Where Stem Cell Therapy May Be the Most Viable Solution
Stem cell therapy’s ability to heal underlying damage, regenerate tissues, and restore natural fertility positions it as an invaluable addition to the existing infertility treatment landscape.
General Stem Cell Therapy Process - Treatment Pathways for Stem Cell Therapy
Patient Assessment and Diagnosis
1) Detailed medical history and fertility evaluation.
2) Diagnostic tests:
- Hormonal profiling (FSH, LH, AMH, Estradiol, Testosterone).
- Ultrasound or MRI to evaluate ovarian, uterine, or testicular structure.
- Genetic testing for congenital conditions.
3) Pre-treatment counseling on risks, benefits, and outcomes of stem cell therapy.
- Is the infertility condition untreatable with conventional methods?
- Are the patient’s age, health, and condition suitable for stem cell therapy?
Stem Cell Preparation
1) Stem Cell Harvesting:
From bone marrow, menstrual blood, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord.
2) Stem Cell Isolation and Culturing:
MSCs are isolated, expanded in a laboratory, and prepared for transplantation.
3) Quality control testing for viability, sterility, and differentiation potential.
- Feasibility of harvesting autologous (self-derived) versus allogenic (donor-derived) stem cells.
- Availability of cryopreserved stem cells for immediate use.
Stem Cell Transplantation
1) Procedure Type:
- Ovarian Rejuvenation: Stem cells are injected laparoscopically into the ovarian cortex.
- Endometrial Regeneration: Stem cells are infused into the uterine cavity via hysteroscopy.
- Spermatogonial Stem Cell Therapy: Injected into seminiferous tubules under ultrasound guidance.
2) Post-procedure monitoring for signs of tissue regeneration.
- Optimal site and mode of injection.
- Number of stem cell doses needed based on ovarian/testicular/endometrial response.
Post-Treatment Monitoring and Follow-Up
1) Regular monitoring of ovarian function, endometrial thickness, or sperm production.
2) Hormonal assays (AMH, FSH) and ultrasound evaluations.
3) Assess pregnancy outcomes after 3-6 months of treatment.
- Assess efficacy of the therapy (ovulation, improved endometrial receptivity, or sperm production).
- Decide if additional cycles of stem cell therapy are needed.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) Integration (if required)
1) Combine stem cell therapy outcomes with ART methods like IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
2) Optimize endometrial receptivity for embryo transfer.
3) Cryopreservation of gametes or embryos if natural pregnancy isn’t achieved.
- Determine timing of ART based on improvement in ovarian or endometrial function.