Treatments for low response to ovarian stimulation in Seville

At Viamed Fertility Institute, we know that one of the greatest technical and emotional challenges is low response to ovarian stimulation. This is defined as obtaining a reduced number of oocytes after controlled hyperstimulation treatment. This situation is not an “end point”, but a clear sign that your Life Project requires a much more precise and personalised medical strategy.

From Viamed Hospital Santa Ángela de la Cruz, we approach these cases through high-complexity hospital care, understanding that every ovary responds at a different pace and needs a tailored protocol.

What does a low response to medication involve?

It is estimated that between 9% and 25% of patients experience this phenomenon. The impact of obtaining few eggs goes beyond quantity:

Fewer embryos available:

This reduces the cumulative chances of success.

Lower maturation rate:

Often, the few eggs obtained have difficulty completing cytoplasmic maturation.

Risk of cancellation:

Low response often leads to a higher rate of cycle cancellation before puncture.

The aetiology is complex and multifactorial: from natural depletion due to age or advanced endometriosis, to genetic causes, previous surgery or autoimmune factors. That is why, at IFV Sevilla, we do not apply generic solutions.

Advanced treatments: beyond high doses

When facing a low response to ovarian stimulation, the answer is not simply to “give more medication”, but to choose the right strategy. Within the Viamed Salud environment, we offer cutting-edge solutions:

Oocyte accumulation, or DuoStim/vitrification:

We perform two stimulations in the same cycle to maximise egg retrieval before fertilisation.

FSH + LH protocols:

We adjust the hormonal schedule to try to rescue follicles that did not respond in previous cycles.

Adjuvant medication:

We use prior treatments to sensitise ovarian receptors to gonadotrophins.

Mild stimulation and natural cycle:

In certain profiles, gentle stimulation or even a cycle without medication may offer better oocyte quality than massive doses

FAQs: questions about response to stimulation

Unexpected responses can occur due to genetic polymorphisms in hormone receptors. At IFV, we analyse your medical history to adjust the medication in the next attempt.

Yes. The use of long or short protocols, or the addition of LH, can change the way your follicles are recruited and mature.

When the response is low but the quality is acceptable. Vitrifying eggs from 2 or 3 punctures allows us to work in the laboratory with a number of embryos similar to that of a patient with a good response.

Your motherhood deserves an expert view

Do not settle for insufficient results. If you have experienced a low response to ovarian stimulation, come to Hospital Santa Ángela de la Cruz. Let the science and experience of our team in Seville design the definitive plan for your Life Project.

We are here to support you.
We are here to support you.

Dr. Pamela Valdivieso Mejía

gynaecologist and specialist in assisted reproduction

Dr. Silvia Valladares Jiménez

Specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition

Dr. José Vilar

GYNAECOLOGIST

Education and Qualifications

  • Medical Degree from the University of Cádiz.
  • Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz.

Professional Experience

  • Gynaecologist at IVI Málaga (2013–2018).
  • Gynaecologist at Grupo Internacional UR (2020–2025).
  • Gynaecologist at IFV (2026–present).
  • Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Andalusian Health Service (2019–present).

Qualifications and Awards

  • PhD in Medicine from the University of Cádiz.

Scientific Activity

  • Co-author of several scientific publications in international journals and presentations delivered at national and international conferences.
  • Co-author of several chapters in specialised books on Gynaecology and Assisted Reproduction.

Ángeles Bretón

CLINICAL EMBRYOLOGIST

Dr. Carlos Javier Vega Reina

GYNAECOLOGIST

Dr. María Miró

IMMUNOLOGIST

Dr. María Eugenia Molina

HEMATOLOGIST

Elena Mantrana Bermejo

Gynecologist. Specialist in Reproductive Medicine

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville.
  • Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Master’s Degree in Human Reproduction from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
  • Specialist Physician of the Andalusian Health Service in the South Health Management Area (AGSS) of Seville.
  • Coordinator of the Assisted Human Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Member of the Human Reproduction Advisory Committee of AGSS of Seville.
  • Member of the working group for the update of the Guide for Assisted Human Reproduction of the Ministry of Health of the Andalusian Regional Government.
  • Tutor of Specialist Doctors in Training of the Teaching Area of the University Hospital of Valme.
  • Clinical Tutor Medical Students University of Seville

Alberto Armijo

Gynecologist. Reproductive Medicine Specialist