Blastocyst Culture

Blastocyst culture

Until about ten years ago, it was impossible to consistently grow (or ‘culture’) embryos in a laboratory to the blastocyst stage. Specialized commercial culture media (the fluid in which embryos are produced in the lab) have now allowed embryos to be successfully nurtured to the blastocyst stage outside of the human body. This is known as ‘blastocyst culture’ in the laboratory.

After the egg retrieval procedure, fertilization is performed in the IVF laboratory using IVF (In-vitro fertilization) or ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection), and the resulting embryos are placed in an incubator for the further development. The developmental stages are as follows:

The day of egg retrieval is referred to as Day 0. (IVF or ICSI is done after egg retrieval)
On the 1 day, the pronuclear stage (embryologist checks as to how many eggs have successfully fertilized)
On Day 2, there are two to four cell stages.
On day 3, there are eight cells.
On day 4, the morula stage
On day 5 or 6, the blastocyst stage

Blastocyst Transfer

Blastocyst transfer is a crucial stage in assisted reproductive technology (ART) where embryos developed to the blastocyst stage are transferred into the uterus to facilitate pregnancy. This advanced technique offers numerous benefits over earlier-stage embryo transfer methods.
Once embryos have reached the blastocyst stage, typically around day 5 or 6 following fertilization, they are considered more developmentally advanced. This increased maturity improves the likelihood of successful implantation and pregnancy.
During the blastocyst transfer procedure, carefully selected blastocysts are transferred into the uterus using a thin catheter under ultrasound guidance. This minimally invasive procedure is typically well-tolerated and does not require anesthesia.
The timing of blastocyst transfer is crucial, as it aligns with the natural timing of embryo implantation in a woman’s menstrual cycle. By transferring blastocysts at this optimal stage, the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy are maximized.

Checking result of in vitro fertilization

Historically, embryo transfer after IVF or ICSI was done on Day 2 or Day 3 after egg collection. However, developments in IVF laboratory technology now allow us to culture embryos for five or six days. This gives the embryos additional chances to demonstrate their developmental potential. Some embryos cease to develop (arrest) before day 5/6. This ‘natural selection’ enables the embryologist to discover and pick the best embryo/embryos for transfer.

Advantages of Blastocyst Culture

Blastocyst culture requires optimal laboratory conditions. Approximately 45% of fertilized eggs reach the blastocyst stage.

Because only the most competent embryos mature to the blastocyst stage, allowing embryos to grow and develop in the laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage allows for the selection of the most capable embryo/s for embryo transfer.

In addition, in a natural pregnancy, the embryo takes around five days after fertilization to enter the womb, where it subsequently implants. On this day, the uterine lining is very receptive. As a result, blastocyst transfer is more physiological.

Advantages of Blastocyst Transfer

Improved Pregnancy Rates: Blastocysts have a higher potential for implantation compared to earlier-stage embryos, leading to improved pregnancy rates per transfer.
Reduced Risk of Multiple Pregnancies: By transferring fewer blastocysts while maintaining high success rates, the risk of multiple pregnancies is minimized.
Enhanced Embryo Selection: Blastocyst development indicates embryo viability and quality, allowing for more accurate selection of embryos with the highest chance of success.
Increased Live Birth Rates: Studies have shown that blastocyst transfer is associated with higher live birth rates compared to earlier-stage embryo transfer methods.

At Sapling IVF Centre, we specialize in blastocyst transfer as part of our comprehensive range of fertility treatments. Our experienced team utilizes state-of-the-art technology and personalized care to optimize outcomes for our patients.

Blastocyst culturing is recommended for:

For patients with multiple failed IVF: Performing a blastocyst culture on a patient with a history of failed IVF with day2/3 embryo transfer, can yield more information related to the growth of the embryos and aid in improving pregnancy rate
To eliminate multiple pregnancies: Blastocyst culture allows the possibility of transferring the single best embryo and thereby reducing the chance of multiple pregnancy.

Blastocyst transfer is recommended for:

Younger Patients: Blastocyst transfer is often preferred for younger patients with a higher number of good-quality embryos. The extended culture to the blastocyst stage allows for better embryo selection, increasing the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Previous IVF Failures: Patients who have experienced failed IVF cycles with earlier-stage embryo transfers may benefit from blastocyst transfer. The increased maturity of blastocysts enhances their potential for implantation, potentially improving success rates in subsequent cycles.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Individuals or couples with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss may benefit from blastocyst transfer. The improved embryo selection and higher implantation rates associated with blastocyst transfer may reduce the risk of miscarriage and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.
Limited Embryo Availability: Blastocyst transfer may be recommended for patients with a limited number of available embryos. By allowing embryos to develop to a more advanced stage before transfer, blastocyst transfer maximizes the chances of selecting the highest quality embryos for transfer, optimizing the chances of success.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing: Patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may opt for blastocyst transfer to allow sufficient time for embryo biopsy and genetic analysis. Blastocyst-stage embryos provide a larger and more representative sample for genetic testing, improving the accuracy of results.

Contact Sapling IVF Clinic, Delhi & Gurgaon

Ready to take the next step towards building your family? Contact Sapling IVF Clinic today to learn more about blastocyst culture and transfer. Our friendly and experienced team is here to answer any questions and guide you through the process. Book your consultation now and let us help you on your journey to parenthood!

What Our Patients Say

      
   Sapling IVF Centre
   321 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Vikrant Panwar 
 2024-03-05
 
 
  hello
After my marriage we are suffering emotionally
The pain and disruption in our lives continues as we have been struggling to have a baby for the last 15 years, but finally we are at the sapling IVF Delhi location and are working closely with consultant Dr. Minal Singh and her team. Now my wife is pregnant. Thank you to the Sapling IVF team.
  
 
       
   Yaman Jangra 
 2024-02-21
 
 
  After 9 years of marriage, I had the privilege of becoming a mother.  This has been possible only because of Meenal mam and her staff, due to which today I have become a mother of twin children.  Thank you so much mam.
  
 
       
   jyoti jangra 
 2024-02-21
 
 
  Thanku so much meenal mam that you made our dream comes true. Thanks for your support and there are no words that can explain my gratitude towards you. Staff is also very supportive.
  
 
       
   jyoti jangra 
 2024-02-21
 
 
  Having a kid had become a dream for me. But now we get blessed by twins just because of you meenal mam. Thanku so much
  
 
       
   ABHAY KUMAR 
 2024-02-20
 
 
  Dr. Minal mam and sapling staff members thankyou.aapke clinic se treatment se hume good news . Sapling ka pura staff bohut hi supportting he . Thankyou so much mam .
  
 
       
   Mamta Bhardwaj 
 2024-02-20
 
 
  Thanks to Dr.minal mam and  sapling's  staff. We got good news in your  clinic. Dr. I also liked Minal Maa's human behavior and her staff is  also very supportive. thank you so much dr.Minal mam.
  
 
       
   Kiran Saini 
 2024-02-10
 
 
  Thank you doctor Minal Singh mam and Pooja Ji and all staff sab bahut acche hain aur bahut acche se treatment karte Hain aur ham pregnancy conceive kar saki ek bar nahin Ho Paya kuchh problem hui thi but second time confirm hua jiske liye main bahut bahut jyada dhanyvad karte sabko kyunki main pahli bar pregnant ho saki meri shaadi ko kam se kam 15 sal to Ho Gaye honge aur main pahli bar maa banne ja rhi hu sb yaha ke doctor Minal Singh ji or un ke sabhi staff ke wajah se thank you am so happy
  
 
       
   Vinod Kumar 
 2024-02-09
 
 
  Being married for 11 years I got my second conception from sapling ivf centre. I appreciate Dr minal mam.
She is truely warm hearted and down to earth  very helpful in every manner.
Thank you so much for your treatment.

Regards
Vinod kumar
  
 
       
   Manish Gautam 
 2024-02-05
 
 
  I had the privilege of consulting Dr. Minal Singh for fertility concerns, and I must say, her expertise and treatments have been a game-changer. Dr. Minal Ma'am who is down to Earth and ready to help in any situation that arise during the journey of Pregnancy of my wife. Staffs like Miss Pooja, Miss Suman, Miss Savita and remaining staffs are very helpful in any situation.
Dr. Minal's deep knowledge, compassion, and dedication truly set her apart. She took the time to explain every aspect of the treatment, making me & my wife feel so comfortable and informed throughout the process. Thanks to her guidance, our journey towards parenthood has been a success.  I highly recommend Dr. Minal Singh to anyone seeking fertility solutions in Delhi. She's a remarkable expert who genuinely cares about her patients.
  
 
       
   sabita kumari 
 2024-02-05
 
 
  I have no word to say thank you to Mrs. Minal mam. She is excellent gyne doctor. I lost my all hope then I got to know about sapling IVF centre. Now I bless with good news jst because of her nd team. She is not jst doctor but she is also good human being. Her behaviour towards patients is so polite nd corporative. In the end I only say I love you mam,.... U r my God... thank you so much mam...

Blastocyst Culture