What is blastocyst transfer?

Embryos can be cultured for up to six days, until they become blastocysts. At this stage it may be easier to select the best quality embryo(s). With blastocyst transfer, embryos are cultured in the laboratory incubator to the blastocyst stage before they are transferred to the womb. At this time, one or two of the best quality blastocysts are selected and then implanted into the woman’s womb. A blastocyst must successfully attach itself to the wall of the womb for a woman to become pregnant.

Is blastocyst transfer for me?

Many clinics are now offering blastocyst transfer as a means of improving chances of pregnancy after single embryo transfer. This is particularly useful for younger women with a good prognosis for pregnancy from IVF. Your doctor may also suggest you try blastocyst transfer if you have produced good quality embryos in a previous IVF cycle but they failed to implant in the womb. It is not normally recommended if you produce fewer than normal healthy eggs. As with embryo transfer, due to the risks of a multiple birth, you may want to consider single blastocyst transfer.