Blastocyst Transfer

Daniel Rostein, MD, FACOG

Fertility Specialist & Fertility Clinic located in Oak Brook, IL

Blastocyst transfer is one of the final steps during in vitro fertilization (IVF) when the embryo is carefully placed inside the uterus. As a specialist in gynecology and infertility, Daniel Rostein, MD, FACOG, in Oak Brook, Illinois, has extensive experience performing all aspects of IVF, including the blastocyst transfer that results in a successful pregnancy for many women. Call the office today or book an appointment online to get help for infertility.

812-594-9343

Blastocyst Transfer Q & A

What is a blastocyst transfer?

A blastocyst transfer is taking an egg fertilized in the lab and implanting it into a woman’s uterus when it reaches the blastocyst stage.

When fertilization occurs naturally inside a woman’s fallopian tube, the embryo implants into the uterine wall at the blastocyst stage. So what is a blastocyst?

A blastocyst is an egg that has been fertilized for five days. Immediately after a sperm fertilizes an egg, the cells begin to grow. After three days, the embryo has about 10 cells. By the fifth day, the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage.

At this stage, the embryo’s growth is distinctly organized, with an inner cluster of cells that develop into the baby and an outer group that turns into the placenta.

What are the advantages of a blastocyst transfer?

Transferring a blastocyst significantly improves your chance of a successful pregnancy. Dr. Rosenstein can evaluate the size of the blastocyst and select the embryos with the highest chance of survival. He can also transfer fewer embryos, which reduces your risk of carrying twins or triplets.

Another benefit is that embryos that grow to the blastocyst stage have a lower risk of chromosomal errors that would lead to a miscarriage. Thanks to the defined structure of a blastocyst, Dr. Rostein can also safely remove a few cells and run genetic tests (if needed).

What should I expect during a blastocyst transfer?

Dr. Rostein draws the blastocysts into a long, thin catheter and guides it through your vagina and cervix and into the uterus. He uses ultrasound imaging to ensure the catheter tip is correctly positioned in your uterus, then releases the blastocysts.

Dr. Rostein may advise you to limit vigorous physical activities for a few days to give the blastocyst time to implant in the uterine wall.

Though the blastocyst quickly attaches to the wall, it takes five days to fully implant. Though implantation triggers the release of hormones that support fetal development, it takes a little longer for your hormone levels to get high enough for a blood test to verify you’re pregnant.

Call Daniel Rostein, MD, or connect online to request a consultation to learn more about IVF.

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