Blastocyst Culture

Blastocyst culture, an assisted reproductive technology procedure, involves implanting healthy laboratory-developed embryos to ensure a successful pregnancy. It is ideal for people with unexplained infertility conditions, advanced maternal age, or several in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) failures. 

What is Blastocyst Culture?

Blastocyst culture is a procedure where embryos are developed in a laboratory post-fertilisation for five to six days to become blastocysts. This stage is characterised by a higher cell count and the formation of a fluid-filled cavity.

The blastocyst stage is ideal for implanting the embryo into the uterus. When embryos are cultured to the blastocyst stage, embryologists can select the most healthy embryos.

It also aligns closely with the natural timing of embryo implantation in the uterine lining. This increases implantation rates and reduces multiple pregnancy rates observed in IVF clinics on the transfer of multiple embryos.

At Birla Fertility and IVF, we offer comprehensive blastocyst culture services with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and expert embryologists.

How is it Done?

The blastocyst culture procedure involves the following steps:

  1. The medical history of the patient should be discussed in detail.

  2. Various blood tests/scans are conducted to check hormone levels, pre-existing conditions, etc.

  3. The semen sample of the partner is assessed to check sperm count, motility, etc.

  4. The ovaries are stimulated through fertility medications.

  5. A trigger injection is administered to mature the eggs at a certain hormone level.

  6. When the eggs mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound aspiration.

  7. Based on the patient’s choice, IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), is performed.

  8. The retrieved eggs are fertilised with sperm in a laboratory setting.

  9. The fertilised eggs or embryos are then cultured in a special incubator for three days.

  10. The embryos are further cultured for an additional two to three days to reach the blastocyst stage.

  11. The embryos are closely monitored and assessed by the embryologists to choose the most viable embryos.

  12. The blastocysts chosen are prepared for transfer into the uterus through a catheter.

  13. Any surviving viable blastocysts can be cryopreserved/frozen for use in the future.

Why Choose Us

Choosing the right fertility clinic is crucial for starting your family. At Birla Fertility & IVF, we offer personalised care with expert specialists guiding you every step of the way. Our advanced labs and outstanding success rates have helped over 2,30,000 patients achieve their dream of parenthood.

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Things to Remember for Blastocysts Culture

Before the Treatment

  • Consult with a fertility specialist to discuss the procedure and medical history.
  • Make lifestyle adjustments like having a healthy diet and avoiding smoking.
  • Follow the regimen prescribed for ovarian stimulation.
  • Practise meditation or opt for counselling to manage stress.

During the Treatment

  • Hormonal injections are given for ovary stimulation.
  • The mature eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia or sedation.
  • The eggs are fertilised through IVF or ICSI in the laboratory.
  • The fertilised eggs are cultured for about five days to form blastocysts.
  • The selected viable blastocysts are transferred into the uterus.

After the Treatment

  • Rest for a short period and avoid strenuous physical activities.
  • Take the prescribed medications and attend the follow-up appointments.
  • Report any symptoms like heavy bleeding or severe pain.
  • Get a blood test done 10-14 days after the transfer to check if you are pregnant.
  • If the test is positive, regular prenatal appointments will be fixed. If the test is negative, the patient can discuss the next step - other fertility options or another round of IVF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blastocyst culture is not suitable for everyone. If low number of oocytes are retrieved for fertilisation resulting in fewer embryos, there is a risk of them not growing up to the blastocyst stage.

Single embryo transfers are done to avoid multiple pregnancies and the risks associated with it. In a single embryo transfer, the healthiest embryo is selected and is known to be just as effective as multiple embryo transfers.

Excess good-quality blastocysts can be frozen and used in a FET cycle (Frozen embryo transfer). Research indicates that success rates of FET with blastocyst is almost equal to a fresh embryo transfer cycle.

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