Luteal phase ovarian stimulation following oocyte retrieval: is it helpful for poor responders?

John Zhang

doi:10.1186/s12958-015-0076-2

Abstract

BackgroundPoor ovarian response and retrieval of no oocytes following ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a challenging problem for both the patient and the clinician.FindingsRecent evidence indicates that folliculogenesis occurs in a wave-like fashion indicating that there are multiple follicular recruitment waves in the same menstrual cycle. This relatively new scientific concept provides new opportunities for the utilization of ovarian stimulation in women with poor ovarian response. This communication reports on the social and scientific rationale for the use of luteal phase ovarian stimulation following oocyte retrieval in the same cycle (also called double stimulation).ConclusionsData to date showed that double ovarian stimulation in poor responders provides shorter time for retrieving mature oocytes with the potential formation of good quality embryos, and thus healthy pregnancies.

Highlights

Poor ovarian response after ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a challenge for the patients and their clinicians
Data to date showed that double ovarian stimulation in poor responders provides shorter time for retrieving mature oocytes with the potential formation of good quality embryos, and healthy pregnancies
It provides other new opportunities for clinicians to utilize ovarian stimulation especially in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) [6]. This manuscript reports on the social and scientific rationale for the use of luteal phase ovarian stimulation following oocyte retrieval, in the same cycle when follicular phase ovarian stimulation was already undergone. It addresses special situations where luteal phase stimulation could represent an alternative for patients with DOR when no oocytes were retrieved in the conventional “follicular phase” ovarian stimulation IVF

Summary

Conclusions

Data to date showed that double ovarian stimulation in poor responders provides shorter time for retrieving mature oocytes with the potential formation of good quality embryos, and healthy pregnancies.

Introduction

Findings

Conclusion