What is the Origin of Poor Ovarian Responder?

The term is a diagnostic category within reproductive endocrinology, combining "Poor Responder" to pharmacological stimulation with the specific anatomical site "Ovarian." The Bologna criteria and the subsequent POSEIDON criteria formalized this definition to standardize research and clinical practice, acknowledging the heterogeneity of this patient group. This classification is directly linked to the biological reality of declining follicle numbers and function.

What is the Mechanism of Poor Ovarian Responder?

The underlying mechanism is often a substantial reduction in the number of primordial follicles remaining in the ovarian reserve, or an intrinsic defect in the remaining follicles' sensitivity to Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) signaling. Age-related decline in oocyte and granulosa cell quality, along with potential genetic factors or prior ovarian surgery, contribute to the reduced follicular recruitment and growth. This biological limitation necessitates highly individualized and often aggressive stimulation protocols.

Poor Ovarian Responder ∞ Area

Poor Ovarian Responder

Meaning

A Poor Ovarian Responder is a clinical classification assigned to women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for assisted reproductive technology who exhibit a suboptimal response to exogenous gonadotropin administration. This condition is typically defined by criteria such as the retrieval of a low number of oocytes, often three or fewer, or the requirement of exceptionally high gonadotropin doses to achieve minimal follicular development. It represents a significant clinical challenge and is closely associated with diminished ovarian reserve.