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

BACKGROUND: Poor 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. FINDINGS: Recent 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). 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 thus healthy pregnancies.