Artificial Oocyte Activation

The Effect of Artificial Oocyte Activation on Blastocysts Rate in Patients With Low Fertilization Rate

Studies reported that calcium signal deficiency or insufficiency during oocyte activation are related with embryo arrest and blastocyst quality. The utilization of Artificial Oocyte Activation (AOA) is safe and does not increase birth defects, cognition, language and motor skills. AOA is the first line of treatment in patients with globozoospermia (round headed spermatozoa). Poor responders in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles represent a major challenge for fertility specialists and comprises about 10-15% of patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The absence of synergy between the oocyte and sperm leads to a negative impact on oocyte activation. The European Society of Human and REproduction (ESHRE) recommends AOA in cases with failed fertilization/ low fertilization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with poor or no blastocyst development in their primary cycle
• Group 1 - second cycle using AOA following the poor blastocyst development cycle
• Group 2 - second cycle without AOA following the poor development cycle

Exclusion Criteria:

• All cycles who do not have repeat cycles following the poor blastocyst development cycle