Preimplantation embryo metabolism as a biomarker of embryonic viability and health

Abstract

Worldwide, 12% of couples suffer from infertility and therefore rely on assisted reproductive technologies to conceive. The current success rate of an initial IVF cycle is ~20%, leaving ~80% of couples unsuccessful after their first cycle. Although success rates increase with subsequent cycles, represented by an increase in cumulative pregnancy rates, IVF treatment is expensive and can have a significant impact on the psychological wellbeing of couples. It is therefore imperative that research is focused on increasing the success rate of initial IVF cycles to reduce the time to pregnancy. The success of an IVF cycle significantly relies on the ability to select the most competent embryo fr..