Poor ovarian response is not infrequent and represents one of the major therapeutic challenges in in vitro fertilization. Although several tests have been proposed, which aim at predicting poor response to ovarian stimulation, available data are conflicting regarding their accuracy and clinical usefulness. Even though several therapeutic approaches have been explored, a single effective strategy has not yet been established. One of the major limitations of interpreting the relevant literature is the wide variability in the definitions used for poor ovarian response. Regarding the interventions that have been proposed to improve the probability of pregnancy in poor responders, limited evidence from relevant randomized controlled trials suggests that addition of growth hormone during ovarian stimulation, as well as performing embryo transfer on day 2 instead of day 3, might be beneficial. Further randomized control trials are warranted to reliably determine which would be the best approach for treating poor ovarian response.
© 2010 New York Academy of Sciences.