Blastocyst Culture

What is Blastocyst Culture?

During IVF procedures, a lab procedure called blastocyst culture is performed to aid in the development and selection of the healthiest embryos for implantation. Until they reach the blastocyst stage, which normally happens on the fifth or sixth day following fertilisation, it entails raising fertilised eggs (embryos) in a controlled environment. An early embryo known as a blastocyst has a unique hollow filled with fluid and layers of cells.

Who needs it?

Our skilled team of embryologists and fertility specialists at Surya Hospitals is committed to maximising the success of your IVF process by identifying the following circumstances that may call for recommending blastocyst culture:

• IVF failures in the Past: Blastocyst culture can assist in uncovering potential problems with embryo development and enhance selection if prior IVF cycles have not led to healthy pregnancies.
• Advanced Maternal Age: Women's eggs get worse quality as they get older. The probability of choosing the healthiest embryos is improved by blastocyst cultivation, raising the possibility of successful implantation.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Blastocyst culture enables the biopsy of a few cells from the PGT, which aids in the detection of genetic anomalies and the selection of embryos, free from particular genetic diseases.
• Limited Embryo Availability: Blastocyst cultivation makes better use of embryos, especially when there are only a few embryos accessible.

What to expect during the procedure?

Modern laboratory procedures, such as blastocyst culture, are used by Surya Hospitals to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy while maintaining the greatest levels of care and security. The following technique is carried out by our experienced fertility professionals:

• Ovarian Stimulation: To promote the growth and maturity of several eggs, the lady receives ovarian stimulation before the blastocyst culture procedure.
• Egg Retrieval: When the eggs are fully developed, a quick operation called egg retrieval is carried out. To collect the eggs, a needle is cautiously placed into the ovaries under the guidance of ultrasound.
• In order to facilitate fertilisation, the eggs are then mixed with sperm in the laboratory using either traditional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
• Development of the Embryo: Following fertilisation, the embryos are nurtured in an environment that closely resembles that of the female reproductive system. The embryos are placed into the uterus within two to three days using culturing methods. The blastocyst culture, on the other hand, enables them to develop to a higher stage.
• Blastocyst Transfer: The strongest and most viable embryos are chosen for transfer to the uterus on the fifth or sixth day. These are chosen based on their morphology, developmental potential, and other characteristics. The leftover embryos can be frozen and cryopreserved for later use.

What are the benefits of Blastocyst Culture?

• Improved Selection: Blastocyst culture allows for improved embryo selection by lengthening the period of embryo culture. Blastocyst-stage embryos are more likely to have higher implantation potential and fewer chromosomal abnormalities than other stages of development.
• Increased Chances of Pregnancy: Transferring blastocysts with the strongest developing potential raises the likelihood of successful implantation and pregnancy. The possibility of multiple pregnancies is also decreased because there are fewer high-quality embryos.
• Lowered Risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Blastocyst cultivation eliminates the necessity for fresh embryo transfer, extending the interval between ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer and lowering the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).