For women below the age of 40, typically two embryos are transferred.

For women above 40, up to three embryos may be transferred.

Blastocyst transfer is preferred because it closely mimics the natural timing of embryo implantation in the uterus, enhancing the chances of successful implantation. Additionally, higher-grade blastocysts have better success rates, and fewer embryos are needed, reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Blastocyst transfer is ideal for:

Couples who have not had success with previous Day 3 transfers.

Those with a good number of embryos to monitor.

Cases where high-quality embryos have survived up to Day 5.

Decisions are made after thorough discussion with the embryologist and the doctor.

Higher Success Rates: Blastocyst transfer has a higher implantation success rate compared to Day 3 transfers.

Better Selection: Holding embryos until Day 5 allows for better differentiation, helping embryologists select the healthiest embryos for transfer.

Lower Risk of Multiple Births: Transferring fewer, but higher quality blastocysts, reduces the likelihood of multiple births.

The procedure is similar to a standard IVF cycle, with the main difference being the age of the embryo at implantation:

Egg Collection: Eggs are collected from mature follicles using a scanning probe. The procedure is quick and painless, taking about 30 minutes.

Fertilization: Eggs are fertilized with sperm from the male partner or a donor.

Embryo Development: Fertilized eggs are cultured in a lab incubator until they reach the blastocyst stage (Day 5 or 6).

Blastocyst Transfer: The healthiest blastocysts are selected for transfer into the uterus. Any remaining blastocysts are cryopreserved for future use.

Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is conducted about two weeks after the procedure to check for successful implantation. An ultrasound is performed if pregnancy is confirmed.

Regular follow-ups with your fertility specialist are essential to monitor the progress and address any potential issues. These check-ups are crucial for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and successful outcome.

The main risk is that some embryos may not survive to the blastocyst stage, reducing the total number of embryos available for transfer and freezing. In rare cases, embryos may stop developing entirely after Day 3, leading to a canceled IVF cycle.