Choices of stimulation for low responders in IVF

Low responders present a significant challenge for IVF practitioners due to the lower chances of a pregnancy in relation to the usual high cost of treatment. The definition of low responders is not universally agreed upon and the literature is full of articles that have different populations of low responders, which makes comparisons of the different protocols almost impossible. This paper will review the different strategies and protocols that have been reported and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each. It is of utmost importance to realize that, at the present time, there is no regimen of ovarian stimulation that can change a true low responder into a high responder. Minimal stimulation and natural cycle protocols for IVF appear to be reasonable choices in well-selected cases since they provide simplicity and cost-effectiveness. © 2008 Expert Reviews Ltd.

Duke Scholars

Author Suheil Jamil Muasher Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology & Fert ...