Insights from clinical experience in treating IVF poor responders

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Background:

• Poor responders represent a heterogeneous IVF patient subgroup, often characterized by advanced maternal age, previous poor responses, or diminished ovarian reserve.
• These patients require specialized management strategies beyond conventional IVF protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a holistic approach for managing 'poor responders' in IVF.
• To identify interventions that can optimize ovarian response and patient experience.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on 'poor responder' management.
• Discussion of tailored ovarian stimulation protocols, including early follicle stimulation and hormonal supplementation (dehydroepiandroepiandrosterone, human growth hormone).
• Emphasis on psychological support and realistic expectation setting for patients undergoing IVF.

Main Results:

• Early-stage follicle stimulation may synchronize development for better gonadotrophin response.
• Supplementation with dehydroepiandroepiandrosterone or human growth hormone may enhance early follicle development.
• Psychological support and tailored IVF protocols are crucial for managing stress and improving outcomes.

Conclusions:

• A holistic approach combining optimized ovarian stimulation, tailored IVF protocols, and psychological support is essential for managing 'poor responders'.
• Addressing the unique needs of poor responders can lead to improved IVF success rates and patient well-being.