What Makes a Viable Embryo? The Role of Egg Quality in IVF Success

October 2025

Introduction: Why Embryo Viability Matters in IVF

When undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), the goal is clear: to create a healthy embryo that will implant in the uterus and result in a successful pregnancy. But not all embryos are created equal.

Many couples are surprised to learn that the quality of the egg used to create the embryo is one of the most critical factors in determining its viability.

So, what exactly makes an embryo “viable,” and how can egg quality influence its success? In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind embryo viability, debunk some common myths, and explain how IVF MORE® can support healthier embryos by focusing on restoring and improving egg quality.

What Is a Viable Embryo?

A viable embryo is one that has a strong potential to implant into the uterine lining and develop into a healthy pregnancy. Embryo viability is typically evaluated during the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6), based on several markers:

  • Proper cell division and development
  • Chromosomal normality (euploidy)
  • Strong mitochondrial energy levels
  • Structural integrity and morphology

While both sperm and egg contribute genetic material to the embryo, the egg carries most of the cellular machinery, including mitochondria, which are vital for early embryonic development.

Why Egg Quality Is Crucial for Embryo Viability

Eggs are not just passive participants in fertilization. They provide the:

  • Mitochondria (cellular energy producers)
  • Cytoplasm (where early embryo development begins)
  • Molecular signals that direct cell division

Poor egg quality can result in:

  • Chromosomal abnormalities, leading to miscarriage or failed implantation
  • Fragmentation in embryo development
  • Reduced energy for proper cell division
  • Lower embryo grading and blastocyst formation rate

That’s why improving IVF egg quality is central to increasing the odds of a viable embryo and, ultimately, a successful pregnancy.

Factors That Affect Egg Quality

Several internal and external factors influence the quality of eggs:

1. Age: After age 35, egg quality begins to decline significantly due to accumulated DNA damage and reduced mitochondrial function.

2. Medical conditions: Conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, or autoimmune diseases can impact egg development.

3. Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and high stress levels can negatively affect egg health.

4. Environmental toxins: Exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA and pesticides can reduce ovarian function and damage eggs.

Signs of Poor Egg Quality

Poor egg quality doesn’t usually have symptoms, but it often becomes evident through fertility struggles such as:

  • Repeated IVF failures
  • Low fertilization rates
  • Poor embryo development
  • Early pregnancy loss

Women experiencing these challenges may be advised to consider egg donation, but that isn’t the only option available.

How IVF MORE® Improves Embryo Viability

Unlike conventional IVF, which selects the “best-looking” eggs and embryos, IVF MORE® actively works to restore egg quality at the cellular level.

Here’s how IVF MORE® helps create more viable embryos:

  • Metabolic Egg Diagnosis: Each egg is evaluated for mitochondrial function to assess its energy potential and overall health
  • Cytoplasmic Enrichment: If mitochondrial dysfunction is detected, the egg receives cytoplasmic support (containing growth factors) from your own cells to boost energy production and functionality.
  • Magnetic Field Culturing: Embryos are developed in a magnetic field environment, which research shows helps improve cell division and reduce chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Advanced Fertilization (PICSI): This technique mimics natural sperm selection, choosing the healthiest sperm to improve fertilization and embryo quality.

Key Differences Between IVF MORE® and Traditional IVF

  • Focus on Egg Quality
    • Traditional IVF: Does not address egg quality directly; focuses mainly on stimulation and retrieval.
    • IVF MORE®: Actively works to improve egg quality through metabolic diagnosis and cellular restoration.
  • Egg Restoration
    • Traditional IVF: No mechanisms to rejuvenate or restore eggs.
    • IVF MORE®: Uses cytoplasmic enrichment and mitochondrial support to restore egg health.
  • Use of Magnetic Fields
    • Traditional IVF: No magnetic field technology used in embryo culture.
    • IVF MORE®: Applies magnetic field stimulation to enhance embryo development and reduce chromosomal errors.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans
    • Traditional IVF: Standard protocols often applied with minimal variation.
    • IVF MORE®: Fully customized based on individual metabolic and reproductive profiles.
  • Support for Embryo Viability
    • Traditional IVF: Some monitoring and selection based on morphology.
    • IVF MORE®: Proactively enhances embryo viability with advanced diagnostics and targeted fertilization techniques.

How to Know If You’re Producing Viable Embryos

Ask your fertility specialist about:

  • Embryo grading results (e.g., 5AA is considered high quality)
  • Fertilization rates from IVF cycles
  • Day 3 vs. Day 5 development
  • PGT-A testing to screen for chromosomal abnormalities

These indicators can help determine whether egg quality may be a limiting factor—and whether egg restoration with IVF MORE® could help.

Who Benefits Most from IVF MORE®

IVF MORE® is ideal for individuals or couples who:

  • Have experienced multiple IVF failures
  • Have been told they need donor eggs
  • Are over 35 and concerned about declining egg quality
  • Have medical conditions affecting fertility (like PCOS or endometriosis)
  • Want to try one last time with their own eggs before moving to donation

FAQs About Embryo Viability and Egg Quality

Q: Can poor sperm quality also affect embryo viability?
A: Yes, but in most cases, poor egg quality has a larger impact due to its critical role in early development. IVF MORE® also includes sperm selection to optimize both gametes.

Q: Can I improve egg quality naturally?
A: Lifestyle changes like better nutrition, supplements (like CoQ10 and DHEA), and stress reduction can help—but for women with significant challenges, medical intervention like IVF MORE® is often needed.

Q: Is IVF MORE® safe?
A: Yes. It’s backed by regenerative medicine, peer-reviewed research, and conducted under strict medical protocols with personalized care plans.

Final Thoughts: Viable Embryos Start with Strong Eggs

When it comes to fertility success, it’s not just about quantity—it’s about egg quality. A viable embryo is one that can implant and grow into a healthy baby, and that process starts with healthy eggs. If you’ve struggled with poor embryo development, repeated IVF failures, or been told that donor eggs are your only option, IVF MORE® may offer a better path forward.

By addressing egg health through metabolic diagnostics, regenerative therapy, and magnetic field technology, IVF MORE® gives you a real chance to achieve the family you’ve been dreaming of—using your own biology.

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