Blastocyst Culture
What is blastocyst culture?
Blastocyst culture is a process used during your IVF treatment where embryos are allowed to develop in the laboratory for about 5 to 7 days after fertilization (instead of 3), until they reach a stage called the blastocyst. At this stage, the embryo has divided into many more cells and has formed two distignuisable structures: the inner cell mass, which later on develops to form the foeatus, and the trophectoderm, which later on develops to form part of the placenta. If an embryo makes it to this stage, it is considered a viable embryo that is more likely to result in a successful pregnancy when transferred into the uterus.
Fun fact: Up until day 3 of embryo development, the embryo usually has around 8 cells, however, culturing the embryo for 2-3 more days should see the embryo grow exponentially to form a blastocyst which has about 150 cells!
Why consider Blastocyst culture ?
Blastocyst culture is a standard part of many IVF treatments today. Especially in cases when you have multiple embryos available, allowing the embryos to grow in the laboratory until their blastocyst stage will help embryologists to better select the best quality embryo as they can see which embryo is actually viable, and they can grade embryos more accurately, enabling them to choose the most robust and developmentally competent embryos for transfer. In a way, this extended culture period acts as a natural selection filter.
In a natural conception implantation typically occurs on days 5-7 after fertilization. Transferring embryos at their blastocysts stage on day 5-6 provides better synchronization between the embryo and the uterine environment, potentially improving implantation rates1.
Another great advantages of blastocyst culture is that culturing embryos until their blastocyst stage with increased cell numbers also allows easier, more accurate, and safer genetic testing with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT).
What does the research say?
Extensive research supports the use of blastocyst culture in IVF. Studies have shown that transferring embryos at the blastocyst stage can improve implantation and pregnancy rates compared to transferring earlier-stage embryos. This is because we know that embryos that make it to the blastocyst stage are viable embryos2.
Is Blastocyst Culture Safe?
Blastocyst culture is considered safe and is a common practice in IVF labs worldwide. The extended culture time in the lab does not increase the risk to the embryos, and the process is closely monitored by experienced embryologists to ensure the best possible environment for embryo growth.
However after the blastocyst stage (Days 5-7 of embryo development), it is not safe to keep the embryos in incubators and in the laboratory culture, as embryos should be implanting straight after.
myfertility’s take on Blastocyst Culture
We believe that following the most evidence-based processes in IVF such as blastocyst culture will allow you to have the highest chance of achieving a healthy baby. Since blastocyst culture is well established and well researched and the benefits are clearly highlighted by governing bodies and fertility societies around the world (such as the HFEA and ESHRE) we strongly recommend having your embryos go through blastocyst culture before implanting.
Having said that, we also akcnolwedge that transferring embryos earlier may have it’s benefits (the laboratory is not the natural environemnet for the embyros after all). We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and appreciate that some patients may benefit from earlier transfers (such as on day 2 or 3).
When you're going through a challenging and emotional journey like fertility treatment, it can be tempting to try everything available. However, it's crucial to remember that more isn't always better. Over-promises on the benefits of new technologies or "add-ons" might not deliver meaningful results. That’s why we believe that being well-informed about your fertility treatment options can significantly improve your infertility treatment journey.
It's important to consult with a fertility specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific situation.
If you want to learn more about the best fertility clinics for you, and which clinics do these treatments, be sure to check out our clinic finder and clinic matcher. We built these tools to help you find and match with IVF clinics and fertility specialists near you, and filter through them all based on their success rates, prices, patient reviews, technologies and support services offered.