Here at The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy we want you to have the best possible chance of a successful IVF/ICSI cycle. The success rate of IVF and ICSI treatments are improved by delaying the embryo transfer until five to six days after egg collection, at which stage the embryo is called a blastocyst.

We often decide to transfer blastocysts depending on the quality and number of embryos available three days after fertilisation. The treatment cycles of blastocyst embryos are very similar to the routines of the IVF and ICSI cycles. The difference with blastocyst transfer is that the embryos are allowed to develop for 5-6 days instead of 2-3 in normal IVF/ICSI treatments before transfer.

What Does Blastocyst Transfer Involve?

Blastocyst transfer involves the transfer of the blastocyst into the uterus (womb) using a flexible catheter with its passage monitored through an ultrasound scan. The procedure does not need patient sedation and any discomfort the patient feels is only as a result of the full bladder.

Patients who undergo blastocyst embryo transfer procedure at The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy are only allowed a maximum of two embryos because the chances of pregnancy after the procedure are high and could result in multiple pregnancies. Single elective embryo transfers and freezing excess embryos is usually recommended, especially if the blastocysts produced are of good quality.

Blastocyst embryo transfers have been carried out by The Fertility & Gynaecology Academy for many years and in this time it has proven to be a risk-free technique. It should be noted that there is an increased risk of having identical (monozygotic) twins with this procedure.