Why embryos dont develop

For many patients, the testing allows us to accurately address the problem of embryos having abnormal chromosome numbers. How can this be? Today, we are going to explore why chromosomally normal embryos may not implant and how we try to address the problems when we can. Failure to achieve a successful pregnancy with euploid embryos can be generally grouped into three major areas: embryonic, uterine, and systemic. The development of an early embryo is a complex and highly synchronized series of events to prepare it for attaching to and invading the lining of the uterus.

The process starts at fertilization with single cell called a zygote, which develops over 5 days into a cell hollow ball, called a blastocyst. It is a blastocyst that will attach to and implant in the lining of the uterus. Our 46 chromosomes contain about 25, genes that have to function properly to have the embryo develop successfully. I think of it like a symphony of the genes being turned on and off at specific times. If the timing of this is off, just like an orchestra, things will go badly.

Basic science studies suggest that energy function metabolism of the embryo is also a likely cause of failure, but this too cannot be practically measured in the clinical lab. Basic science studies and our clinical experience suggest that early embryo development can be altered by our clinical and laboratory environment. It is clear that the type of follicular stimulation in an IVF cycle will impact the oocyte and embryo.

The correct use of supporting medications LH or low dose-hCG, growth hormone, androgens may be beneficial to development of the growing follicle and egg for some individuals. However, incorrect use of these medications can be detrimental. The type of trigger shot used to prepare for egg retrieval hCG or GnRH agonist may have an impact on egg quality also, but who may benefit from which drug and to what degree there is an advantage remain unclear.

As you can imagine, the laboratory environment plays a huge role in how the embryos will perform. Culture media has evolved tremendously over the last 30 years, starting from simple media adequate for most cells to the variety of high quality embryo-specific, commercially made media that we currently use.

There are several high quality culture media available that work well however, constant quality testing is essential to make sure a chosen media performs optimally. The incubators that the embryos grow in and their function are clearly a major factor.

Most high quality practices are using the small bench top incubators which do a better job of maintaining the chemical environment and temperature stability for the embryos to grow in. However, these high-tech devices must be constantly monitored, as subtle changes can impact embryo performance. Simple things like how often the embryos are evaluated, under what conditions, and the time it takes to do so can tremendously impact embryo performance.

The trend is clearly towards evaluating the embryos less frequently. It should not go without saying that technical competence of the people in the laboratory is essential for good outcomes. Rachael has been with Live Science since She also holds a B.

Live Science. Rachael Rettner. This is used for a number of different reasons, one being male factor infertility. Now, we have 8 embryos. How do I know if I have male factor infertility? The next big step is growing the embryos in the laboratory for the next days. This is another phase where attrition should be expected.

After 3 days, embryos have cells. In general, most if not all embryos that fertilize will reach this stage. The greatest attrition rate comes from day 3 to day , or the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst is the final stage of the embryo before we cryopreserve them or transfer to a patient. Certainly not every situation is identical and other factors can affect the outcome, but this does provide a general outline as to what to expect. The most important thing to remember is that this is a normal process.

The sooner we get to work together, the better chance we have at getting you a higher embryo count with better quality. She is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Therefore, it is very important to perform the necessary previous analyses that help us to get a proper diagnosis and individualized and successful treatment.

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