Conception rates following assisted reproduction in poor responder patients: A retrospective study in 300 consecutive cycles

Ulun Ulug, Izhar Ben-Shlomo, Ersadik Turan, Halit Firat Erden, Mehmet Ali Akman, Mustafa Bahceci

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

126 Scopus citations

Abstract

Poor response to ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction treatment is a therapeutic challenge. Oocyte donation may be unacceptable to some patients, and many couples opt to continue with treatment despite low follicle numbers. Minimal data are available regarding conception rates in poor responders who elect to undergo oocyte retrieval. This study summarizes the outcome of assisted reproduction treatment in poor responders who produced four or fewer oocytes during ovarian stimulation, in order to provide better counselling to such patients in the future. Embryo transfers were performed in 208 of 300 cycles demonstrating poor ovarian response. Pregnancy rate (PR) (15.9%) was significantly higher in patients in whom four oocytes were retrieved, compared with patients in whom one or two oocytes were retrieved (2.3 and 4.3% respectively). Younger patients (≤34 years) had significantly higher PR (19.5%) compared with older patients (≥35 and ≤39 years, PR 7.2% and ≥40 years, PR 1.5% respectively). One hundred and twenty-six age-matched normal responders in whom three embryos were transferred had higher implantation rates (15.3%) and PR (37.3%) compared with poor responders in whom three embryos were transferred (6.6 and 16.6% respectively; P < 0.05). In this regard, patient age, number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos available for transfer determine prognosis for the success of IVF in patients who respond to ovarian stimulation with four or fewer follicles for assisted reproduction treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)439-443
Number of pages5
JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • IVF
  • Ovarian stimulation
  • Poor responder
  • Pregnancy rate

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Conception rates following assisted reproduction in poor responder patients: A retrospective study in 300 consecutive cycles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this