Blastocyst Transfer

There have been many improvements in our knowledge of the way embryos develop which has enabled us to produce culture medium that is better suited to culturing embryos for longer.  The developmental stage that embryos would enter the uterus is called blastocyst stage and is where the embryo has undergone many cell divisions and is almost ready to implant.  This would normally be seen on day 5 after your egg collection.  It is known from our research programme however that many human embryos never progress to the blastocyst stage.  Potentially using these extra days in culture could help to select the embryos that may have a much better potential to implant.  This technique should be still be considered somewhat experimental and may not be suitable for all patients.  It is only recommended on an individual basis.