What is the Origin of Poor Ovarian Responders?

This terminology emerged from the clinical necessity to categorize patients based on their predictable response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols used in IVF. It quantifies the failure to achieve an adequate cohort of developing follicles despite adequate hormonal priming.

What is the Mechanism of Poor Ovarian Responders?

The mechanism underlying POR status is multifactorial, often involving reduced sensitivity to Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) due to lower receptor density or downstream signaling defects within the granulosa cells. Alternatively, it can reflect an accelerated depletion of the primordial follicle pool, leading to fewer target follicles available for recruitment during the stimulation cycle. This limits the quantity of oocytes available for fertilization.

Poor Ovarian Responders

Meaning

Poor Ovarian Responders (PORs) is a clinical designation used in assisted reproductive technology to describe women who develop fewer than a predefined threshold of mature follicles following standard ovarian stimulation protocols. This outcome reflects diminished ovarian reserve or inherent follicular resistance to gonadotropin stimulation, posing a significant challenge to achieving viable pregnancy. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology, often related to declining follicle pool quality or quantity, is critical for optimizing fertility treatment strategies. These patients often require tailored endocrine management.