Are Higher IVF Pregnancy Rates Possible?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) transforms the lives of thousands of hopeful couples every year. Despite the many benefits, IVF is not a guaranteed, foolproof procedure. Failed IVF cycles are standard, and the average couple requires multiple cycles before achieving pregnancy. The goal of a fertility clinic is not only to provide IVF services but also to find ways to optimize the process. A blastocyst transfer is an effective strategy that is known to increase pregnancy rates. This additional step may be the difference between a failed and successful IVF cycle.
Let’s have a blast
During IVF, a fertility clinic, specifically an embryologist, uses sperm and egg samples to create multiple embryos. One or more of the most viable embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus at a specific time to trigger pregnancy. In essence, embryos are a cluster of dividing cells triggered by fertilization. Blastocyst transfer is a specific stage of IVF, where a more developed embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus, increasing the chances of pregnancy. An embryo reaches the blastocyst stage around the 5th or 6th day after fertilization. Transferring the embryo at this stage opens the door to improved outcomes.
Conventional versus blastocyst transfer
In most IVF cases, the embryo is transferred between the 2nd and 3rd days of creation. The embryo looks like a few clustered cells, known as the cleavage stage. IVF transfer happens at this stage to reduce any damage to the embryo. Some clinics also transfer at this stage to avoid freezing to keep with a specific IVF timeline. Waiting 2-3 more days allows the embryo to reach the blastocyst stage. The embryo now resembles a more developed structure, akin to a circular chain of cells with an inner mass and a space called the blastocele. The more developed embryo is then assessed and transplanted into the uterus. Blastocyst transfer can improve pregnancy rates in several ways.
How can you benefit from a blastocyst transfer?
The additional development of the embryo can help embryologists select more viable embryos. The fertility clinic may not be able to guarantee quality at the cleavage stage but can better analyze a blastocyst for quality and potential. Additionally, the fact that the embryo developed and survived this far can also indicate quality. The 5-6 day timing of blastocyst transfer also coincides with natural implantation, which also happens at the blastocyst phase. A blastocyst transfer also reduces the possibility of multiple pregnancies, a common IVF concern. The fertility team can perform single egg embryo transfer. Blastocyst transfer also has long-term benefits, such as reducing cost and complications.
Considerations with blastocyst transfer
While blastocyst transfer has benefits, there are some risks and considerations. For instance, embryos require extensive care and attention to detail to reduce the risk of embryo damage. The freezing and thawing process involved in blastocyst transfer can also damage these delicate cells, leading to failed transfer. The additional time and effort may lead to higher costs for the patient and even impact the intended IVF timeline. Successful blastocyst transfers also depend on patient age and sperm and egg quality.
Give your IVF success rates a blast
Blastocyst transfer delays the IVF process slightly but has some fantastic benefits. The most significant advantage is the possible improvement in pregnancy rates. Choosing the strongest developing embryo has a higher chance of success. Blastocyst transfer also mimics the natural implantation process. This option may be the key to relieving the stress and overwhelm that happens with IVF. Giving the embryo extra time to develop can contribute to successful implantation. Based on all health factors, the team and patient can determine if blastocyst transfer can help.
