INSIDEEMBRYO · FERTILITY GLOSSARY
Polyspermy is an abnormal fertilisation event in which more than one spermatozoon contributes to fertilisation of a single oocyte. Additional paternal chromosome sets produce an abnormal chromosome complement, commonly resulting in triploidy or more complex polyploid states. Following normal sperm–oocyte…
Polyspermy is an abnormal fertilisation event in which more than one spermatozoon contributes to fertilisation of a single oocyte. Additional paternal chromosome sets produce an abnormal chromosome complement, commonly resulting in triploidy or more complex polyploid states. Following normal sperm–oocyte fusion, cortical granule exocytosis produces biochemical modifications of the zona pellucida that reduce additional sperm penetration. Changes involving the oolemma also contribute to limiting subsequent sperm binding and fusion. Polyspermic fertilisation is therefore incompatible with normal human embryonic chromosomal development in the majority of cases.
For education, not individual medical advice. Ask your fertility team about your care.