IVF and Fertility Treatment in Korea
Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Poor Ovarian Response
What Are Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Poor Ovarian Response?
As later marriage and the participation of women in social and professional activities have become more common, the number of couples experiencing infertility has increased.
In particular, those with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) who are classified as having poor ovarian response (POR) may face greater challenges during infertility treatment. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to each individual are important.
Causes of DOR and POR
- Age 40 or older
- Cancer treatment
- Genetic factors (fragile X syndrome)
- Exposure to environmental hormones
- Autoimmune diseases
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
- Smoking and stress
How We Treat Diminished Ovarian Function
Individualized Ovarian Stimulation
In poor responders, excessive use of ovarian stimulation medications may increase treatment costs and cause side effects. Therefore, for poor responders, it is preferable to use a mild stimulation protocol with reduced medication dosages to improve treatment compliance and help optimize egg quality and endometrial receptivity. In addition, a natural-cycle approach may be considered, in which treatment allows naturally selected, high-quality eggs to develop without excessive stimulation from injections.
Embryo Screening (IVF with PGT)
Embryo screening is a test performed during in vitro fertilization (IVF) to diagnose genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities at the preimplantation embryo stage, allowing only embryos with a normal genetic profile to be selected for transfer. In cases of diminished ovarian function, embryo selection through Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) may be recommended before embryo transfer.
Embryo Collection by Vitrification
Using vitrification technology, embryos are safely preserved, and once an adequate number of embryos suitable for transfer has been obtained, they are thawed together and transferred. This strategy can reduce the total amount of medication used and lower the rate of canceled embryo transfers, potentially resulting in higher pregnancy rates.
Intraovarian Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection (PRP Ovarian Rejuvenation)
Intraovarian PRP injection is a treatment that involves directly injecting platelet-rich plasma containing abundant growth factors into the ovaries to promote tissue regeneration and help restore ovarian function. The injected growth factors may support follicular growth and development and contribute to improving egg quality. Studies have also reported that PRP may help improve blood flow around the ovaries, potentially contributing to the restoration of ovarian function.
DuoStim IVF
DuoStim IVF involves performing egg retrieval twice during the same menstrual cycle—once during the early follicular phase and again during the luteal phase. By obtaining a greater number of high-quality eggs and utilizing the characteristics of eggs that develop at different stages of the cycle, this approach aims to improve the chances of successful pregnancy.
Begin Your Journey With Us
Fill in our consultation form to begin your treatment journey with us. Let us know your information and concerns, and a member of staff will respond as soon as possible to begin your free online consultation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are diminished ovarian reserve and poor ovarian response?
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and poor ovarian response (POR) can make infertility treatment more challenging. Care is tailored to the individual after an accurate assessment.
What can cause diminished ovarian reserve or poor ovarian response?
Possible causes include being age 40 or older, prior cancer treatment, genetic factors such as fragile X syndrome, environmental hormone exposure, autoimmune disease, PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, smoking, and stress.
How can ovarian stimulation be adjusted for a poor response?
A mild stimulation protocol using lower medication doses may be considered to help limit medication-related side effects and costs while supporting egg quality and endometrial receptivity. A natural-cycle approach may also be an option for allowing naturally selected eggs to develop without excessive injections.
What is embryo screening with PGT-A?
PGT-A is performed during IVF at the preimplantation embryo stage to check for chromosomal abnormalities. It can help identify embryos with a normal genetic profile for transfer and may be recommended before transfer when ovarian function is diminished.
How does embryo vitrification help during treatment?
Vitrification safely preserves embryos until an adequate number suitable for transfer has been collected. The embryos can then be thawed and transferred together, which may reduce total medication use and the chance of canceled embryo transfers.
What is intraovarian PRP injection?
Intraovarian platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, injection places PRP containing growth factors directly into the ovaries. It is intended to support tissue regeneration, follicular growth and development, egg quality, and blood flow around the ovaries.
What is DuoStim IVF?
DuoStim IVF involves two egg retrievals in one menstrual cycle: one in the early follicular phase and another in the luteal phase. The approach aims to obtain more high-quality eggs and improve the chance of pregnancy.
How do I begin treatment?
You can complete the consultation form with your information and concerns to start the free online consultation process. A staff member will respond as soon as possible.