Embryo competence refers to the ability of an embryo to continue development to a successful pregnancy and is influenced by intrinsic genetic and epigenetic factors as well as extrinsic environmental conditions. Understanding embryo competence is crucial for improving outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization.

Embryo Competence

Intrinsic genetic factors

Epigenetic factors are heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. These factors can be influenced by environmental conditions and play a crucial role in development, disease, and adaptation by regulating gene activity.

Epigenetic Factors

Extrinsic environmental conditions

Successful pregnancy

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) encompass medical procedures used to address infertility, involving the manipulation of eggs, sperm, or embryos to achieve pregnancy. These technologies have revolutionized reproductive medicine, offering hope to individuals and couples facing fertility challenges while raising ethical, legal, and social considerations.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to assist with the conception of a child by manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish and then transferring the embryo to the uterus. It is often used when other fertility treatments have failed and can involve multiple cycles to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Concepts

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