Stem Cell Treatment for Female Infertility 2024: Key Insights

Overview—Female Infertility

Infertility is a growing concern in India, affecting millions of couples who desire to have children. According to recent studies, approximately 10–15% of Indian couples face infertility issues. This prevalence underscores the need for advanced treatments and innovative solutions to address female infertility, one of which is stem cell therapy.
Stem cell treatment for female infertility, a promising field in regenerative medicine, has shown potential for treating various medical conditions. With advancements in research and technology, stem cell therapy is emerging as a beacon of hope for many women struggling with infertility. This blog explores the intricacies of stem cell treatment for female infertility, its effectiveness, success rates, and the associated costs.

Don't let female infertility go unexplored – prioritize your health and schedule your fertility consultation today with the best fertility Specialists in India.

There are several options to treat female infertility and fulfil your dream of getting to live the beautiful phase of motherhood.

This must have made you excited to learn about them, right?

So, here you go!

Understanding Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of transforming into specialized cell types. They can replicate and repair damaged tissues, making them invaluable in medical treatments.

Stem cell therapy involves harvesting stem cells from the patient's body or a donor, processing them, and injecting them into the affected area to promote healing and regeneration. In the context of infertility, stem cells are typically used to rejuvenate or repair ovarian tissues, improve egg quality, and enhance overall reproductive health.

Is Stem Cell Treatment for Female Infertility FDA Approved?

Stem cell treatment for female infertility is still undergoing clinical trials and is not FDA-approved. However, all the trials have shown promising results in reversing female infertility.

A research paper by Sarama Saha, Partha Roy, Cynthia Corbitt, and Sham S. Kakar, published in July 2021, explains the scope and future of stem cell treatments for female infertility in further detail.

First, the researchers examined the various types of stem cells. They also investigated several other therapies that treat female infertility.

They concluded that although embryonic stem cells have shown good potential, they are shrouded in several ethical issues. 

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from the bone marrow are the next best option.

They also stated that stem cell therapy “brings a ray of hope” to people for whom Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has failed. Although much science remains undiscovered in this field, the potential is immense.

They also stated that stem cell treatment can resolve genetic issues economically and is less invasive, which most couples prefer.

Regulatory Status in India

In India, stem cell therapy is regulated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The ICMR has issued guidelines for stem cell research and therapy, emphasizing the need for rigorous clinical trials and ethical practices. While stem cell therapy for infertility is available in some clinics, patients need to verify the credentials of the clinic and ensure that the treatment follows ICMR guidelines.

You must be wondering where I can find stem cell therapy for infertility in India.

Here you can check the hospitals for stem cell therapy in India.

However, while deciding on the facility where you will receive treatment, it is necessary to verify their credentials and thoroughly research their protocols.

Does Stem Cell Treatment Work for Female Infertility?

Stem cell treatment has shown several benefits in treating female infertility. While the treatment is still in its initial stages, it has shown a positive impact in helping women conceive.

Yes, you read that right!

But now you must be wondering, how does it work?

Stem cells have numerous functions that can help treat a wide variety of diseases. The five properties listed below specifically help in treating female infertility:

• They can replace and repair dead and damaged cells. Additionally, they have a ‘self-homing property,’ which means they can locate the damaged cells without direction.
• They activate dormant and suppressed cells, kickstarting cell division. This helps increase the number of new cells in the body.
• Stem cells secrete various enzymes, cytokines, and proteins, which promote cell proliferation and inhibit the death of functional cells.
• Stem cells have an immunosuppressive function toward the natural killer cells of our bodies, enabling the cells to live longer.
• They promote the recovery of inter-cellular signalling, thus enhancing cellular functions.

Eligibility

Is every patient suffering from female infertility eligible to undergo stem cell treatment?

Not yet.

All clinical trials have a strict set of requirements that are tailored to their studies. Some of the common ones are:

• Women should be of fertile age (between 25 and 40 years)
• The patient should have a previous history of uterine ruptures, D&C for missed abortion, or an incomplete abortion.
• There should be no structural abnormalities in the reproductive system.
• There should be no previous history of myomectomy or polypectomy.
• There should be no history of malignancies.

Potential Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

Like every medical treatment, stem cell treatment also has its pros and cons

• Personalised Treatment: Stem cell therapy can be tailored to the individual, offering a personalised approach to infertility treatment. Using a patient's own cells minimises the risk of immune rejection, increasing the chances of success.
• Regenerative Potential: Unlike traditional treatments, which often focus on managing symptoms, stem cell therapy aims to regenerate and restore normal function. This could lead to long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
• Lower Risk of Multiple Pregnancies: Conventional infertility treatments often result in multiple pregnancies, which can pose health risks to both the mother and babies. Stem cell therapy may reduce this risk by improving the natural fertility process.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

• Safety Concerns: While stem cell therapy holds great promise for infertility treatment, it is still in the experimental stages. Extensive clinical trials are needed to evaluate its long-term safety and efficacy thoroughly.
• Ethical Issues: The use of embryonic stem cells raises ethical concerns related to the destruction of embryos. This has led to a preference for adult stem cells and iPSCs, which do not involve ethical dilemmas.
• Cost and Accessibility: Stem cell treatments are currently expensive and may not be accessible to all patients. As research progresses and therapies become more widespread, costs are expected to decrease.

Cost of Stem Cell Treatment for Female Infertility

What is the cost of the treatment? you surely might have this question running in your mind, right?

Indeed, this is the most crucial and obvious question that everyone has!

Well, the cost of stem cell treatment for female infertility depends on several factors like the severity of the issues causing infertility, the number of cycles required, and the type of stem cells used.

The facility and city you choose for your treatment also weigh into the total cost.

In India, each stem cell cycle costs 2000 USD, with the total expense ranging from 8000 to 12000 USD.

In comparison, the same treatment can cost up to 50,000 USD in the US.

Navigate the cost of stem cell treatment for female infertility wisely. Take the first step to recovery – get in touch with us for personalized treatment options tailored to your needs.

Procedure

Are you wondering just what the procedure for this treatment is?

We have brought all the details for you.

While the whole procedure can be done in one day, splitting it over two or three days is preferable to keep the patient comfortable. After keeping the patient under observation for a few hours to one day, they are given a discharge.

What to Expect After Stem Cell Treatment for Female Infertility?

Immediately after undergoing a cycle of stem cell treatment, the patient might feel some nausea or dizziness. This only lasts for a few hours and resolves itself. 

You will be advised to avoid strenuous physical activity for the next week, although you can return to your daily routine after one or two days.

What about side effects, you ask? 

You will be happy to know that no long-term side effects have been reported by any clinical trial so far. Stem cell treatment is completely safe.

When will you start seeing results? 

This is a tricky question with no single answer. 

It varies from person to person and depends on several factors like how advanced the infertility is, and the age of the patient, among other things.

Several American studies have reported that after the injection of stem cells, the size of the ovary increases, and the estrogen level doubles for up to one year after the procedure.

Within three to four weeks of stem cell treatments, you will start seeing initial improvements, such as regularising the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

The results last for up to twelve months after the treatment.

What is the success rate of stem cell therapy for ovaries?

The success rate of stem cell therapy for ovarian regeneration varies based on the type of stem cells used, the underlying cause of infertility, and the specifics of the treatment protocol. While precise statistics are still emerging, initial studies provide promising data.

Key Statistics:

• Stanford University Study (2023): This study reported that 70% of women with premature ovarian failure experienced restored hormone levels and resumed ovulation following autologous stem cell therapy.
• University of Edinburgh Research (2022): The creation of artificial ovaries using stem cells showed a success rate of over 60% in supporting egg development and hormone production in preclinical trials.

Factors Affecting Success Rates

• Age: Younger patients have higher success rates due to better overall health and a more responsive ovarian environment.
• Type of Stem Cells: Autologous stem cells (derived from the patient's body) generally yield better outcomes than allogenic stem cells (derived from a donor).
• Underlying Conditions: Patients with severe ovarian damage or those who have undergone extensive chemotherapy may experience lower success rates.

Can You Get Pregnant After Stem Cell Transplant?

Yes, there have been documented cases where women have successfully conceived after undergoing stem cell transplants. 

However, these instances remain relatively few, and the procedure remains experimental.

Examples:

• Ovarian Function Restoration: Women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or premature ovarian failure (POF) who received stem cell therapy have reported successful pregnancies. For example, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2024 demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell therapy led to successful pregnancies in women with DOR.
• Endometrial Regeneration: Clinical trials (2023) at Yale University showed that women who underwent bone marrow-derived stem cell therapy for endometrial regeneration had a 50% higher pregnancy rate.

Stem Cell Therapy vs IVF

According to the US National Library of Medicine, in vitro fertilization is the fertilization of an egg by the sperm outside the body. It is currently one of the most successful tools in the ART arsenal and is the treatment of choice in most female infertility cases.

Are you confused about whether you should go for IVF treatment or stem cell therapy? 

Don’t worry! 

We have made a comparison table to help you better understand the difference between these two treatments.

Another emerging treatment is stem cell IVF. It combines both these treatments, giving significantly more effective results.

The stem cells aid in improving the health of the uterus, reducing the chances of a miscarriage. However, this treatment is still very early and will require several more trials before it can become a part of mainstream medicine.

Explore your reproductive options: Stem Cell Therapy vs. IVF. Your well-being is our priority – call us to book your appointment today and make informed decisions about your fertility journey.

Future of Stem Cell Research in Treating Female Infertility

While stem cell therapy for female infertility is still in its early stages, the future holds an exciting and promising landscape. Research is actively pushing boundaries, exploring new avenues to unlock the full potential of stem cells in tackling various infertility challenges. 

• Enhanced Cell Targeting: Techniques are being developed to deliver stem cells more precisely to the ovary, maximizing their impact on follicles and egg development. Think of it like sending tiny, specialized mail delivery drones straight to their destination for maximum efficiency.
• Harnessing Different Stem Cell Types: Researchers are investigating other types of stem cells beyond mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), like ovarian follicular stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Each type offers unique possibilities, opening up a wider toolbox for tailored therapies.
• Combating Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the reproductive system can hinder fertility. Future research will leverage stem cells' anti-inflammatory properties to create a more welcoming environment for egg development and embryo implantation.
• Genetic Repair and Regeneration: The ability to edit genes within stem cells holds immense potential. Imagine correcting specific genetic defects that contribute to infertility, paving the way for healthier egg production.
• Personalized Stem Cell Lines: Creating stem cell lines specific to each woman could be a game-changer. Think of it as having personalized "building blocks" perfectly matched to your body, minimizing rejection and boosting treatment efficacy.
• Artificial Ovary Development: Though futuristic, researchers are exploring the possibility of using stem cells to bioengineer miniature ovarian structures that could mimic natural egg production. This could revolutionize treatment for women with severe ovarian dysfunction.
• Ethical Considerations: As research progresses, ensuring ethical practices and responsible development remains crucial. Open communication, informed consent, and clear regulations are essential to guide this promising field responsibly.

In June 2024, a collaborative effort between the University of Cambridge and several fertility clinics announced that stem cell-derived oocytes had successfully matured and were ready for human clinical trials. These trials aim to test the safety and efficacy of using these oocytes in IVF procedures. This could offer a new option for women with compromised egg quality or quantity if successful.