The probability of successful IVF outcome after poor ovarian response

To evaluate the relationship between age and poor ovarian response to pregnancy and cancellation rate after IVF stimulation.

Poor ovarian response was defined as

Women aged >37 years, who were poor responders, had a significantly lower pregnancy rate per OPU (3.0%) compared to normal to high responders in the same age group (22.1%, p<0.05). Also, 43.6% of women >37 years, who were classified as poor responders, did not receive an embryo transfer (ET), compared to 13.2% of normal to high responders in this age group (p<0.05). Poor responders who were 37 years, who receive high doses of FSH have a significantly poorer treatment outcome than can be explained by either age or FSH dose alone.

Poor ovarian response after IVF stimulation requires thorough counselling prior to OPU, regardless of the woman's age. In poor responders >37 years of age, especially those who require high FSH doses, we suggest that the decision whether or not to proceed to OPU should include the couple after thorough counselling, even though the chance of successful outcome is extremely low.