This is a very common question but not an easy answer. First, the term “quality” is not well defined in reproductive medicine: is it based on appearance of the embryo?; is it the chromosomal competence of the embryo; or the structrual/genetic make-up? The first two metrics are definable – we can grade an embryo base on appearance; we can test the embryo for the chromosomal content. Neither of these qualifiers correlate well with the ability for the embryo to result in a live birth. Structural/genetic make-up is not able to be tested at this time.
Traditionally, we have considered a woman’s age as the dominant forcé contributing to egg “quality.” The percentage of chromosomally abnormal embryos increase as the woman ages. While male fertility declines with age, we do not have as much information on their contributions to embryo quality.
M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.E.
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Mark P. Trolice is the Director of Fertility CARE – The IVF Center and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. He is Board-certified in REI and OB/GYN, and maintains annual recertification. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S.
License: ME 78893
Reproductive Endocrinologist. Mark P. Trolice is the Director of Fertility CARE – The IVF Center and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB/GYN) at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. He is Board-certified in REI and OB/GYN, and maintains annual recertification. His colleagues select him as Top Doctor in America® annually, one among the top 5% of doctors in the U.S. License: ME 78893.
