Impact of gamete health on fertilization and embryo development: An overview

A genetically and functionally proficient gamete is essential for normal fertilization and embryonic development. Any change in gamete health affects fertilization and subsequent events, including embryonic development, implantation, and successful pregnancy. This present review focuses on the role of gamete health on fertilization and embryo development. Several conventional and advanced methods are used to evaluate the morphology and functions of gametes. The abnormal spermatozoa adversely affect fertilization events, which results in reduced cleavage/blastocyst/implantation and pregnancy rate during assisted reproductive techniques. Poor oocyte quality is also one of the reasons for infertility, although the oocyte has an innate capacity to repair a certain amount of abnormality of both oocyte and spermatozoa. Therefore, oocyte health carries more responsibilities during fertilization events. The gamete, either spermatozoa or oocyte, should have optimum morphological and functional health to fertilize and develop a competent embryo successfully. Thus, it is of prime importance to consider the gamete health parameters while dealing with infertility.