Using stem cell oxygen physiology to optimize blastocyst culture while minimizing hypoxic stress

This review is a response to the Fellows Forum on testing 2% oxygen for best culture of human blastocysts (J Ass Reprod Gen 34:303–8, 1; J Ass Reprod Gen 34:309–14, 2) prior to embryo transfer. It is a general analysis in support of the position that an understanding of stem cell physiology and responses to oxygen are necessary for optimization of blastocyst culture in IVF and to enhance reproductive success in fertile women.