Blastocyst Culture and transfer is an important step while performing the in vitro fertilisation (IVF/test tube baby) process. It involves growing the embryos in a laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage. This extended culture period gives many advantages over transferring the embryos at earlier stages, which means Blastocyst Culture is more beneficial than the traditional transfer of embryos. It potentially increases the pregnancy rates and overall outcomes.

At Embrion, we identify the benefits offered by Blastocyst Culture and Transfer and use the latest medical devices (along with the latest technology) so that our patients have a successful pregnancy.

Who Can Benefit from Blastocyst Culture?

Blastocyst Culture is generally recommended for the following scenarios/individuals :

  • Patients with a history of failed IVF cycles with day 2/3 embryo transfers.

  • Patients with a limited number of good-quality embryos.

  • Patients who wish to minimise the risk of multiple pregnancies.

  • Patients undergoing eSET (Elective Single Embryo Transfer).

Success rate Blastocyst Culture

Generally, chances of pregnancy after a Blastocyst Culture are higher compared to other fertility treatments, such as the traditional 3-day embryo transfer. It is because the embryo(s) have been kept in the lab for an extended time. It increases the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy when the embryos are transferred to the uterus. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the average live birth rate after going through Blastocyst Culture is about 50-60%/cycle.

Blastocyst Culture and Transfer Procedure

Understanding the steps involved in Blastocyst Culture Treatment is important to know what you can expect in your entire journey. Here is a simple explanation of this -

Day 1 : Fertilisation

  • Our embryologists collect the matured eggs from the ovaries.

  • After collecting the eggs, they are fertilised with sperm. To do this, either IVF or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is used.

  • Fertilised eggs become zygotes. Each contains two pronuclei (which means the fertilisation was successful).

Day 2 : Early Embryo Development

  • The zygotes start to divide themselves and they form 2-cell embryos and 4-cell embryos. It is called the cleavage stage.

  • Embryologists check how well the cell division is taking place and the overall quality of the embryo.

Day 3 : Mid-Stage Embryo Development

  • Around day 3, most embryos have divided themselves into 6 to 8 cells.

  • Embryologists carefully examine/check them to ensure the cells are dividing evenly and the fragmentation is minimal.

Day 4 : Morula Stage

  • Embryos compact/shrink into a morula (this is like a tight cluster of cells).

  • Our embryologists closely monitor this transition from the cleavage stage to the morula stage.

Day 5 : Blastocyst Formation

  • Embryos develop into blastocysts, characterised by a fluid-filled cavity (blastocoel), inner cell mass (future fetus), and trophoblast (future placenta).

  • Embryologists select the highest quality blastocysts for transfer based on morphology and genetic screening results (if applicable).

  • Selected blastocysts are either transferred to the uterus or cryopreserved (frozen) for future use.

Benefits of Blastocyst Culture and Transfer

There are many benefits of Blastocyst Culture and Transfer, as per our doctors.

Higher Implantation Rates

As the Blastocyst Culture gives an extended period to culture the embryos, it allows the embryologists to select the embryos that have the maximum chances of development. In this process, only the most viable embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus to increase pregnancy chances.

Improved Synchronisation

When embryos are transferred in their blastocyst stage (it takes place 5-6 days after fertilisation), it aligns better with the natural timing of implantation in the uterine lining. This synchronisation increases successful implantation chances and embryo development.

Reduced Risk of Multiple Pregnancies

As blastocyst culture and transfer have a higher implantation success rate, only a few embryos are transferred in the uterus to get a successful pregnancy. It reduces the risks of multiple pregnancies at a time, which can put the mother and baby/babies at risk.

Advanced Genetic Screening

If there are any chromosomal/genetic issues, they can be identified. Blastocyst Culture allows the use of advanced screening methods (e.g. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)), which increases the chances of selecting an embryo that is healthy and the risk of passing a genetic disease to the baby and lowers miscarriage.

Accurate Viability Assessment

The extended culture period allows embryologists to monitor embryos through critical stages of development. This results in a better selection of embryos for transfer (leading to high pregnancy success)

Higher Success Rates

Clinics using Blastocyst Culture report a higher success rate of pregnancies and live births than those using traditional methods. Due to this high success rate, Blastocyst Transfer has become the preferred method for improving the results of IVF treatments.

Why Choose Embrion?

Embrion IVF feels proud to share that we have some of the finest embryologists and fertility specialists who have helped many couples have a baby. We are committed to giving you and your partner excellent services. It is reflected in the technologies we use, e.g. the Blastocyst Culture Process, to increase your chances of conceiving.

Our clinic has shown high success rates, which reflects our dedication, and it also talks about the effectiveness of the treatment methods we use. Our team is here to support you not just in the beginning but throughout your journey so that you can stay happy. Contact us today and take your first step towards becoming parents with the help of the top Blastocyst Culture Center. We will be more than happy to help you expand your family.