For anyone trying to get pregnant, hearing the words “low ovarian reserve” or “early menopause” can feel crushing. But what if there was a treatment promising to reboot the ovaries — potentially waking up dormant eggs and boosting fertility? Enter ovarian rejuvenation, one of the buzziest (and most debated) new fertility therapies.

Let’s break it down: what it is, how it works, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth the hype.

doctor discussing ovarian rejuvenation with patient while looking at ultrasound imaging

What does ovarian rejuvenation do?

Ovarian rejuvenation is an experimental fertility treatment that aims to restore ovarian activity, especially in people with low (or diminished) ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure (also called primary ovarian insufficiency).

In simple terms, it tries to “wake up” the ovaries, encouraging them to produce eggs again. This is often done using a process called PRP (platelet-rich plasma) — where a patient’s own blood is processed to concentrate the healing platelets, then injected into the ovaries. The theory? Those platelets release growth factors that may stimulate ovarian tissue and boost egg development.

Some clinics also explore using stem cells, bone marrow, or even laser therapy for similar goals, but PRP is the most widely discussed option right now.

Important to know: This is not a guarantee of pregnancy — it’s about trying to increase the chance of producing mature eggs that can be used for IVF or natural conception.

What is the success rate of ovarian rejuvenation?

Here’s where things get tricky: there’s no universally agreed-upon success rate yet.

While early reports and small studies suggest that some people regain ovarian function or even achieve pregnancy after ovarian rejuvenation, large-scale, high-quality research is still lacking.

Some clinics report success rates between 10-30%, but keep in mind that most of these figures come from small, uncontrolled studies. Success also depends on factors like age, the underlying reason for low ovarian reserve, and how early the treatment is done. And even if ovarian function improves, it doesn’t always lead to a healthy pregnancy.

doctor and patient preparing for an ovarian rejuventation procedure

Who is a candidate for ovarian rejuvenation?

Ovarian rejuvenation is typically offered to people who:

  • Have low ovarian reserve (low egg count)
  • Have been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure or primary ovarian insufficiency
  • Have undergone cancer treatments like chemotherapy that damaged the ovaries
  • Are approaching or in early menopause, but want to explore fertility options
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It’s usually not recommended for those who’ve already gone through full menopause (i.e., no ovarian tissue or follicles left) — though some clinics may still offer it on a case-by-case basis.

A fertility doctor will usually do blood tests (like AMH and FSH levels) and ultrasounds to assess whether someone has enough remaining ovarian tissue for the treatment to even have a chance.

What are the side effects of ovarian rejuvenation?

Because the most common approach uses PRP from your own blood, major allergic reactions are unlikely. But like any medical procedure, there are still risks to consider.

While recent studies aren’t reporting any side effects right now, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any side effects — it just means the research is early and ongoing. Most studies involve small groups of patients, and long-term data is limited.

There’s a chance of bleeding or infection at the injection site, along with cramping or discomfort afterward. Ovarian hyperstimulation is rare, but still possible, and the procedure is usually done under sedation — which comes with its own set of risks, including potential reactions to anesthesia.

Because this treatment is still considered experimental, it’s crucial to work with a reputable clinic that’s transparent about the procedure, risks, and success rates. The financial side is also a major consideration. With each round potentially costing thousands of dollars and no guarantee of improved fertility or pregnancy, the emotional toll of spending so much on an uncertain outcome can be significant.

And that brings us to the emotional risks. For anyone navigating fertility challenges, hope can feel both essential and fragile. Treatments like this often come with big expectations — and when results aren’t immediate (or don’t come at all), the disappointment can be heavy. That’s why emotional support, whether from a therapist, a trusted friend, or a fertility community, is just as important as the medical side of things.

woman checking into fertility clinic for an ovarian rejuvenation

How much does ovarian rejuvenation therapy cost?

Ovarian rejuvenation isn’t cheap — and because it’s still experimental, it’s rarely covered by insurance.

You can typically expect to pay between $4,000–$8,000 USD per PRP treatment (this may or may not include follow-up monitoring), and there may be additional costs if combined with IVF or other fertility treatments.

Some people need multiple rounds to see results, so it’s essential to budget carefully and understand the financial commitment before starting.

For comparison, some international clinics (like in Spain or Greece) may offer slightly lower-cost packages, but make sure to factor in travel and accommodation.

Can ovarian rejuvenation reverse menopause?

This is one of the most hyped (and misunderstood) questions.

Technically, ovarian rejuvenation might help people with early or premature menopause regain ovarian activity — but it’s not guaranteed, and it’s not a permanent reversal.

Menopause is defined as going 12 months without a period. For some younger people with premature ovarian insufficiency, PRP injections may restart egg production temporarily. But for those who have fully completed menopause, the ovaries may no longer contain viable follicles, making rejuvenation unlikely to work.

In short: it’s not a “menopause cure,” but it may offer a window of fertility help in select cases.

How long does an ovarian rejuvenation procedure take?

The PRP process usually happens in two main steps:

  1. Blood draw and PRP preparation — Your blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma.
  2. Ovarian injection — Under sedation or light anesthesia, the PRP is injected into the ovaries using a fine needle, guided by ultrasound.

The entire procedure typically takes 1–2 hours, and most people go home the same day. Recovery is generally quick, though you may be advised to rest for 24–48 hours.

doctor and patient discussing pros and cons of ovarian rejuventation

Is ovarian rejuvenation right for you?

Ovarian rejuvenation sits at the cutting edge of fertility science — offering hope to some, but leaving many questions unanswered. While early studies and success stories are encouraging, more research is needed before it can be considered a routine, evidence-based treatment.

If you’re thinking about ovarian rejuvenation, arm yourself with good information, ask your doctor plenty of questions, and remember: you deserve compassionate, transparent care no matter where your fertility journey leads.

Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Fertility Mapper. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.