Blastocyst Transfer

Blastocyst Transfer is a procedure very similar to In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) in all respects other than the timing of the transfer of the fertilised eggs. For this reason, please read the page entitled "In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)" for further details regarding the detailed steps required.

Why Use Blastocyst Transfer?

Some women are able to produce good quality embryos using IVF techniques. However, they may still fail to fall pregnant as the transferred embryos do not implant successfully onto the uterus lining.

A possible solution for this problem is called Blastocyst Transfer. Whereas in standard IVF procedures, fertilised eggs are transferred to the womb at approximately 3-4 days old, in blastocyst transfer, these embryos are allowed to mature further, for around 5-6 days in total before being transferred. At 5-6 days old, embryos are called blastocysts. By this stage, these embryos have 2 distinct cell types and a central cavity. Transfer of embryos at this stage can increase the chances of successful implantation since not only have the embryos matured to a more advanced stage, but they can also be selected more accurately so that only the best embryos are used.