The moment that the sperm enters the egg is crucial for the development of the embryo. Nowadays, we know that in order to achieve successful fertilization and optimal embryo development, it is necessary to have an oocyte with both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturity, as this ensures that many important developmental processes take place. Early entry of the sperm into the egg may lead to non-fertilization or to an embryo with slow development.

The aim of the study, that took place in Embryolab, was to determine the time range after ovulation induction, which ensures optimal egg maturation potential, as well as higher fertilization and pregnancy rates. The study showed that the time range that resulted in the highest fertilization rates and optimal embryo development is 38.5 hours.

Larger numbers of mature and fertilized oocytes lead to more available embryos per case, which increases the overall chance of pregnancy and child birth.

The poster presented by Mrs. Mary Karagianni B.Sc., M.Sc. Biologist, Clinical Embryologist, at the 35th annual conference of ESHRE