What is oocyte activation in IVF?

Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) is an effective method to avoid total fertilization failure in human in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. AOA performed using a calcium ionophore can induce calcium oscillation in oocytes and initiate the fertilization process.

What happens during oocyte activation?

OOCYTE ACTIVATION IS the process by which oocytes arrested in metaphase II of meiosis are stimulated to resume meiosis. This process is marked by pore formation and secretion in the cortical granules, and release of the second polar body.

What is the process of ICSI?

In the ICSI process, a tiny needle, called a micropipette, is used to inject a single sperm into the center of the egg. With either traditional IVF or ICSI, once fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg (now called an embryo) grows in a laboratory for 1 to 5 days before it is transferred to the woman’s uterus (womb).

When to use assisted oocyte activation after ICSI failure?

Despite its high success rates, fertilization failure following ICSI still occurs in 1-3% of couples. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is being increasingly applied in human assisted reproduction to restore fertilization and pregnancy rates in couples with a history of ICSI fertilization failure.

When is the best time to incubate oocytes for ICSI?

Incubation of oocytes around 2 hours between retrieval and denudation may not increase MII rate but appears to lead to the optimal combination of FR and IR. 1. Introduction Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the treatment of choice for couples with severe male infertility.

How does artificial oocyte activation improve reproductive outcomes?

DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev136 Abstract Study question: In couples with previous fertilization failure, are reproductive outcomes improved using ICSI followed by artificial oocyte activation (ICSI-AOA) compared with conventional ICSI?

How often does assisted oocyte activation ( AOA ) occur?

still occurs in 1–3% of couples. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is being increasingly applied in human assisted reproduction to restore fertilization and pregnancy rates in couples with a history of ICSI fertilization failure. However, controversy still exists