Abstract
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.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
Notes
GnRH: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone.