Blastocyst - What Is It & When Is It Recommended

The term ‘Blastocyst’ refers to the human embryo 5-6 days after fertilisation. It is the stage of development that the embryo must reach before it can implant in the uterus. The structure of the blastocyst is complicated than the earlier embryo stages because as the cells keep on increasing in number, they become organised into 2 types, the trophectoderm whose main role is in the implantation into the uterine lining and the inner cell mass which will form the foetus.

As a lot of embryos are destined to arrest at early stages hence extended culture of embryos till the blastocyst stage will allow the embryologists to identify the group of embryos that are capable to implant in the uterus.

BLASTOCYST EMBRYO TRANSFER

It is one of the techniques that offer a higher IVF success rate. IVF treatment, combined with advanced fertility techniques, has made it possible for more couples to experience the joys of parenthood. With blastocyst, the probability of getting pregnant is substantially higher. New fertility techniques aim at helping couples to overcome fertility complications. These techniques aim at simplifying and speeding up the treatment procedure.

IVF is an Assisted Reproductive Treatment available for couples facing fertility issues. Doctors suggest fertility check if a couple has not conceived within 1 year of having unprotected sex. Some couple prefers to continue trying for a year or two before visiting a doctor. If the couple is above the age of 35, it is advisable not to delay getting medical help. As per the current statistic, 1 in every 5 couples needs some kind of fertility assistance to start a family.

At the onset of fertility treatment, every couple is apprehensive. They meet with the doctor, not knowing what to expect. At Medicover, we are unlike a hospital and want our visitors to feel comfortable. IVF has become popular as the most successful fertility treatment worldwide. For many couples, this is their only hope for a baby.

IVF TREATMENT WITH BLASTOCYST

The IVF fertility treatment is a procedure in which the female eggs and male sperm are taken from both partners and fertilised in a lab. The egg that gets fertilised is known as an embryo. During IVF treatment, several embryos are created in the lab.

All the embryos are kept in an incubator, and their growth and progress monitored. During this stage, embryo splitting begins to take place. By the third day, the embryos are 8 cell structures. In a regular IVF transfer, the 3rd-day embryo is transferred to the female partner’s uterus.

Blastocyst culturing is a technique in which the embryo is cultured in the lab for 5 or 6 days. After 5 days the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage. After blastocyst formation, the embryo is a 200 or more-cell structure and begins a rapid cleavage (cell division). The embryo begins to develop and grow at a fast pace.

BLASTOCYST TRANSFER PROCEDURE

The blastocyst transfer for IVF treatment takes place on the 5th or 6th day after the egg retrieval. Due to the high success rate with the blastocyst, only one or two embryos are transferred to the uterus. The blastocyst transfer begins with the selection of the best embryos. This selection is based on the development of the embryo over the previous days. The cleavage pattern also helps to determine the quality of the embryo. On the 6th day, all the embryos may look good. However, some may have had abnormal cell division. These embryos are put aside and labelled as poor quality. The blastocyst embryo transfer is a quick and simple procedure. After the blastocyst is placed in the uterus, the next stage is blastocyst implantation. This defines the success of the treatment.

The blastocyst is ready to implant soon after the transfer. The endometrial lining is at the most receptive stage, and the blastocyst begins to implant almost immediately. The blastocyst begins to hatch and attach itself to the inner uterine wall. In some cases, the embryo starts hatching even before the transfer procedure. This allows the embryologist to monitor the hatching of the embryo from the zona pellucida, which is the protective outer covering of the embryo.

WHEN IS BLASTOCYST RECOMMENDED?

There are several cases in which Medicover Fertility recommends Blastocyst to patients. This advanced technique is very helpful for couples who have undergone multiple IVF cycle failure. A couple who have experienced at least 3 IVF cycle failures are advised to try IVF with blastocyst. Blastocyst is also advisable for women who are older than 37 years. Women who have been diagnosed with a depleting ovarian reserve are also advised IVF with blastocyst.

WHY BLASTOCYST?

In a natural conception after fertilisation, the embryo remains in the fallopian tubes for a few days. By the time the embryo reaches the uterus, it is in the blastocyst stage. Hence, culturing an embryo to a blastocyst stage imitates the natural process more closely, thereby assuring a higher chance of implantation.

Many embryos arrest before day 5. When the embryo is cultured to a blastocyst, the probability of selecting the best embryos for the IVF transfer is much higher. By this stage, the embryo which was not meant to make it have already arrested and only the better embryos remain. The risk of multiple births is also reduced with a blastocyst transfer.

IVF SUCCESS WITH BLASTOCYST AT MEDICOVER FERTILITY

If you have not been able to conceive successfully with IVF treatment, we suggest that you visit us for IVF with blastocyst. Our medical team is internationally certified, and we follow global best practices with the latest technology. Medicover Fertility Clinic is an advanced technology IVF centre.

Blastocyst culturing is a very intricate procedure. Many fertility clinics do not provide this option to patients as they do not have the facility. The lack of proper infrastructure can result in all the embryos arresting before they become a blastocyst. To culture, a blastocyst from a 3-day embryo requires constant monitoring and assistance. There are several changes that the embryo undergoes including changes in the culture in which it is placed. The requirement of the embryo continues to change, and the culture has to be altered accordingly for the healthy development of the blastocyst. We have an expert team ensuring that the embryo is well cared for and develops in a healthy manner.

At Medicover Fertility we have a highly equipped lab with state of the art equipment and incubators for culturing the blastocyst. Medicover Fertility has successfully conducted numerous blastocyst IVF treatments with international expertise and knows how.

RELATED QUESTIONS

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER IN IVF?

After an embryo transfer, the embryo will attach itself to the endometrial lining in a process known as implantation. Implantation usually occurs on the 6th day after embryo fertilisation.

AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER WHEN DOES IMPLANTATION OCCUR?

An embryo is usually ready to implant on the 6th day when it has hatched from the zona pellucida.

WHEN DOES IMPLANTATION OCCUR AFTER IVF TRANSFER?

Implantation takes place on day 6 or day 7. After a Day 3 IVF transfer, it will take a few days for implantation to occur. However, after a day 6, blastocyst transfer implantation will start taking place almost immediately.

WHY DOES IVF FAIL WITH GOOD EMBRYOS?

IVF failure is usually due to the poor quality of the embryo. Not all embryos survive more than a few days. Opting for a blastocyst culture of the embryo can improve the chances of IVF success.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP IMPLANTATION AFTER IVF?

The first few days after an embryo transfer are very crucial. Try maintaining a non-strenuous routine with a nutrition-rich diet and a very positive frame of mind.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER BLASTOCYST TRANSFER?

After the blastocyst transfer, the blastocyst will begin to hatch from its outer covering. Following this, it will embed itself to the inner lining of the uterus. Once implantation takes place, the IVF treatment is successful.

References

  1. https://www.advancedfertility.com/embryotransfer.htm
  2. https://www.verywellfamily.com/frozen-embryo-transfer-fet-procedure-and-success-rates-4153582
  3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314571.php
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15870564
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4086003/