BLASTOCYST CULTURE AND TRANSFER

Blastocyst Culture

It is a technique in which an embryo is developed in the laboratory for 4-6 days after fertilization before being placed in the womb. The embryo gains many cells as a result of being developed for so many days. The embryo developed for 4-6 days are much more advanced than the ones developed for just three days. These embryos are called blastocysts.

The biggest advantage of the Blastocyst Culture and Transfer method is that it significantly reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies. Also, the pregnancy and implantation success rate is higher in this technique.

FAQ's

Most Common Questions

What is a blastocyst?

When an egg is fertilised it becomes an embryo. Embryos grow by dividing the cells inside them. At about day 5 an embryo is called a blastocyst. Not all embryos will develop into a blastocyst. As with early stage embryos, good quality blastocysts may be frozen and stored if there are any remaining following transfer.

Is blastocyst culture right for me?

Couples who have had unsuccessful attempts with IVF or IVF-ICSI despite having many good-quality eggs retrieved are being offered blastocyst culture as an alternative treatment. Couples with multiple good-quality embryos on day 3 are also strong candidates for blastocyst culture. The ability to select the most viable embryos for transfer and implantation should improve these couples’ chance of achieving a pregnancy.

What are the potential risks?

In a small number of cases (less than 10%), none of the embryos develop into blastocysts and therefore no embryo transfer is performed. This might signify an inherent problem with the embryos.

Why is blastocyst used?

Extended culture is often used as a way of selecting the best embryo for transfer or freezing.

Advantages of Advanced Embryo Culture?

Reduced time to pregnancy
Embryos are returned to the uterine cavity five days after egg collection
Additional suitable embryos vitrified

What is the success rates?

Approximately 40% of blastocysts are genetically normal and therefore potentially able to form a baby. Not all embryos form a blastocyst – some stop dividing at an earlier stage of development, which can be because of genetic abnormality of the embryo.