Embryo fragmentation is associated with a range of factors, including inadequate culture conditions, poor quality of the ovum and spermatozoon [1], increased maternal age [2,3], chromosomal abnormalities [4], abnormal cell cycle [5], apoptosis [6], and oxidative stress in embryos [7].

Can fragmented embryos implant?

Degree of fragmentation

However, fragmentation in human embryos is quite common and many beautiful babies have resulted from the implantation of embryos with fragments.

What causes poor quality embryos?

There are many possible causes including an inappropriate stimulation protocol and its execution, adverse conditions in the embryology laboratory, a cycle-specific suboptimal response, a genetic abnormality in the gametes of either the male or female partner, or a genetic abnormality in the embryo.