Only 3 eggs were retrieved in my IVF cycle. What does a poor response mean for next time?

A 'poor response' generally means fewer eggs were collected than expected for the medication used, often three or fewer. It is most commonly linked with lower ovarian reserve, which is reflected in a low AMH and a low antral follicle count, and with increasing age. It's important to know that egg quality matters as much as number. A small number of eggs can still produce a good embryo, and one frozen embryo is a real chance. However, with fewer eggs per cycle, some couples need more than one stimulation to collect enough embryos, which is why some doctors suggest 'banking' embryos across cycles. For the next cycle, your doctor may review the protocol, the type and dose of medicines, or the timing of the trigger. Very high doses do not always produce more eggs once reserve is low, so more medication is not automatically better. Some doctors also discuss milder or modified approaches. The evidence for many add-ons in poor responders is limited, so ask what the evidence is for anything suggested. Book a follow-up consultation to review this cycle in detail: how many follicles grew, how many eggs were mature and how the embryos developed. That review, along with your age and tests, should guide whether and how to try again.