In vitro fertilization following natural cycles in poor responders

This prospective study was designed to examine the feasibility of natural c ycle in vitro fertilization (IVF) in poor responders, and the clinical fact ors that may predict successful outcome. Twenty-two poor responders underwe nt IVF treatment with 44 unstimulated cycles, The results of the natural cy cles were compared with those of the 55 low-response stimulated cycles of t hese patients during the 12 months prior to the study. Eighteen (82%) patie nts had at least one oocyte retrieved, while nine (41%) had at least one cy cle with embryo transfer. Two (9%) patients each gave birth to a healthy te rm baby. These results are comparable with those of the stimulated cycles. Serum early follicular follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level was found t o be the only reliable predictor of oocyte recovery and overall outcome in each specific natural cycle. However, because of great variability in basal FSH levels among different cycles of the same patient, this is not a relia ble predictor Of outcome in future cycles. We conclude that poor responders are a unique group of patients who may benefit from natural-cycle IVF trea tment.