Hey there! Let’s chat about blastocyst culture and transfer, a key part of our in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment that can boost your chances of a successful pregnancy.
What is Blastocyst Culture?
So, what’s blastocyst culture all about? Basically, it’s where fertilised eggs are nurtured in a lab until they hit the blastocyst stage, which happens about five to six days after fertilisation. At this stage, our skilled embryologists can check out the embryos to see which ones are looking the best for implantation. After that, we move on to the blastocyst transfer, where the chosen embryo is placed into the uterus to continue developing. Our fertility specialists keep a close eye on this process, which typically lasts up to five days.
Blastocyst Grading
Now, let’s talk about blastocyst grading. This is where our embryologists evaluate the embryos on day five to figure out which ones have the best shot at implantation. They use a grading scale from A to F, with A being the crème de la crème, while embryos graded A-C are suitable for freezing. We also use an EmbryoScope™, a cool incubator with built-in cameras, to monitor growth and provide vital information through time-lapse imaging. Plus, with the help of our AI software, iDAScore, we can predict which embryos are most likely to succeed.
The Blastocyst Culture Process
The whole blastocyst culture process is vital and can take up to five days. It kicks off with egg retrieval, where the eggs are mixed with sperm in the lab. If needed, a method called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used, especially if there are sperm quality concerns. Once fertilisation happens, our embryologists keep a close watch using the EmbryoScope™ to track which embryos are developing well.
After careful observation, our team selects one or two embryos with the highest chances of implantation for transfer into the womb. Any additional high-quality embryos (A-C) can be frozen for future use.
Advantages of Blastocyst Culture
The advantages of blastocyst culture are significant—it enhances embryo implantation rates and reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies by allowing for selective transfer. Once the blastocyst is successfully transferred, it hatches from its shell and attaches to the uterine lining, paving the way for pregnancy to occur.
Ready to Start Your Fertility Journey?
Ready to kick off your fertility journey? Our friendly patient support team is here to chat about your options and help you schedule that all-important first consultation with one of our fertility experts. Also, if you’re curious about other topics, one of our other blog posts covers placental abruption during pregnancy – worth checking out! And if you’re looking into at-home insemination kits, the Cryobaby kit is a top choice — an authority on the subject. For more information on pregnancy week by week, head over to this excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, blastocyst culture and transfer are essential components of IVF that can significantly enhance the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. By carefully monitoring and selecting the best embryos, we aim to streamline the process and improve outcomes.