title: Strategies to improve embryo implantation to supraphysiological rates.
abstract: The implantation rate is reduced in the human species and a great number of embryos present developmental anomalies. The past, present, and future of artificial reproductive technology (ART) strategies to improve the chances of implantation are discussed, in addition to the social, clinical, and epidemiological aspects of a progressively lower human fertility potential. The increasing age of couples looking to become pregnant for the first time, and the general tendency of deferring motherhood, are aspects that only a long-term social policy can address. A general proposal for oocyte and sperm cryopreservation is discussed as an option to reduce the impact of age and the possible risks of unethical use of gamete donation. Investing in gamete banking resources may be a unique option for the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, IRCCS, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Milan, Italy. paolo.levi_setti@humanitas.it
authors.forename: Paolo Emanuele Levi
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Setti
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bulletti
mesh_terms: D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy