Blastocyst Transfer is a technique that was introduced in 1988 by Stanford University. Embryos formed as a result of fertilization are cultured in the laboratory for 5-6 days. In this time, the cells of the embryo rapidly divide and on day 5 it is referred to as a Blastocyst.
Blastocyst Transfer is most advantageous for couples with a large number of embryos. Allowing the embryos to grow through Day 5 allows for the highest quality of embryo to be selected for transfer while reducing the rate of multiple pregnancies as fewer embryos of higher quality will be transferred.
Transferring a 5-day-old embryo or Blastocyst into a woman’s uterus may improve the chances of implantation and in turn, a successful pregnancy. It also reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies, which is a problem with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) and which poses medical risks for both the mother and the infant along with financial and emotional considerations.