Blastocyst embryos transfer
We examine your eggs for signs of fertilization in the morning after your egg retrieval procedure. Typically, approximately 60% to 75% of the eggs will fertilize (become embryos).
The next day (day two), embryos should divide to four cells, by the morning of day three, they should reach the eight-cell stage.
On day five, the healthiest embryos will reach the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst consists of a hundred or more cells surrounding a fluid-filled cavity at the center of the blastocyst.
Blastocyst culture and transfer is a technique developed for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This procedure intends to maximize pregnancy rates while minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancies.
Embryos are typically cultured for 3 days (cleavage stage with 4-10 cells) before being transferred into the uterus. By extending the culture to 5 or 6 days (blastocyst culture), some embryos will develop to the blastocyst stage (up to hundreds of cells). This allows the embryologist to select more advanced embryos with better potential for implantation at the time of the transfer.
A significant benefit of blastocyst culture and transfer is the reduction of multiple births that can result from IVF, since there are fewer embryos (1 or 2) to be transferred.
Blastocyst transfer may be appropriate for those patients who have:
a better chance of having blastocyst development (this will be determined by age and infertility conditions)
previous failed attempts at achieving a pregnancy
strong concerns about delivering high-order multiple pregnancies
It is important to consult with our team about whether blastocyst culture and transfer is for you.