Embryo Implantation in IVF

Blastocyst Transfer Strategy Embryo Implantation in IVF

Blastocyst transfer is the process of creating the embryo in a suitable laboratory environment and transferring it to the uterus.

Today, it is among the reproductive treatments that have an important place in IVF treatment. Thanks to the possibility of transferring better quality embryos, this method is frequently used and couples are supported to have a baby.

The fact that it has many advantages, such as reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies, is seen among the biggest advantages of the treatment. The high rate of blastocyst retention is also an important contribution to the process of couples having a child with these treatments.

The aim of blastocyst transfer, which involves the transfer of the embryo, which is followed in the laboratory environment for a certain period of time, to the expectant mother for a healthy pregnancy, is to ensure a quality and successful pregnancy. The process is finalized by transferring the embryo created in the external environment to the uterus. The fact that it is an application with low risks and high treatment success has been an important factor in increasing the interest in this treatment.

What is Blastocyst Transfer Treatment?

Blastocyst transfer is a reproductive treatment that involves the transfer of the fertilized egg to the uterus during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. In order for the transfer phase to be successful, the embryo will need to be observed and created in a suitable laboratory environment. The suitability of patients is of utmost importance in the application of blastocyst implantation.

The term blastocyst is a medical term for a specific stage of embryo development. It represents a stage of the embryos during IVF treatment. Embryos reach this stage after passing through the first stage of fertilized eggs. Blastocysts are usually formed in the first 5 - 7 days and the transfer is carried out after these periods. The success rate of blastocyst transfer methods is also very high.

This cluster of cells in which fluid is collected is usually defined as a blastocyst. It is then embedded in the endometrium, the inner layer of the uterus. This process is referred to as implantation. In general, transfer procedures are carried out by providing this development up to 5 days. The embryo reaching the blastocyst stage is successfully transferred.

Who is a suitable candidate for blastocyst transfer?

The suitability of patients is extremely important for successful results after blastocyst transfer. If appropriate methods are not determined for patients in reproductive treatments, treatment success will be low. In order to avoid such risks, specialist and clinic preferences are important factors. 5-day embryos are generally considered suitable for blastocyst transfer. However, before proceeding to the transfer stage, the suitability of the patients must be checked.

When we look at the suitability for those who become pregnant with blastocyst embryos, it is seen that the treatment is suitable for the following people:

•   It is generally applied to women under the age of 35.
•  It can be preferred in cases where multiple babies are to be prevented.
•   It is suitable for those with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss.
• Those who cannot obtain sufficient number and quality embryos, etc.

Special treatment methods are applied for each patient in the IVF treatment process. The suitability of the patients is an important factor in this respect. For the success of the treatment, every stage of the planning process should be followed by a specialist. Each of the factors that will affect the quality of blastocysts should be analyzed in detail. 

How is Blastocyst Transfer Treatment Performed?

The treatment process in blastocyst transfer can work differently. In IVF, 5-day embryo transfer is generally defined as a commonly applied method. Because the chances of keeping 5-day embryos are much higher than others. In order to ensure successful blastocyst transfer, all appropriate conditions must be met.

After the merger of egg and sperm, a zygote is formed. The zygote then divides and multiplies and forms a mass of 2, 4, and 8 cells. Blastocyst is defined as the state that has reached the 5th day after it becomes an embryo after the union of sperm and egg. Briefly, blastocyst transfer is performed by following the following stages:

• The embryo becomes suitable for transfer.
• Embryos are examined in culture media in incubators in the laboratory environment.
• After the examination, when the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage, it is transferred to the uterus of the expectant mother.
• The blastocyst transfer procedure is performed in a gynecological examination room and through a thin catheter.
• Pregnancy symptoms are observed for a few weeks after the transfer.

It is important that the process is followed by specialists after blastocyst transfer. The decision for the transfer of 6-day embryos or 5-day embryos is also made by specialists. The preparation stage, planning, and process follow-up are very important issues in IVF treatment in order for the treatment to be successful.

What Happens in the Recovery Process After Blastocyst Transfer?

After quality blastocyst transfer treatment is applied to patients, the healing process will begin in a short time. In general, recovery is shorter and lighter than other surgical procedures. The healing process may differ from person to person. Most of the time, since the embryo quality is higher for 5 days, the procedure is performed after this time and the healing process is followed after this time.

Firstly, resting after the transfer takes the first place in the recovery process. Patients will need to rest for a while according to the doctor's recommendation. Mild pain and cramping sensation after the procedure is considered normal. Although there are mild and short-term symptoms, a doctor should be consulted for pain that does not go away and intensifies.

For a successful treatment after the transfer, patients are also asked to change some of their habits. It is important to avoid oral exercises and eat a balanced diet. It is necessary to wait for a few weeks after the transfer. The retention process should be followed well to diagnose pregnancy with blood and urine tests. Blastocyst transfer pregnancy calculation should be made and an accurate process should be followed in this context.

What are the Advantages of Blastocyst Transfer?

Blastocyst transfer treatment is seen as a very advantageous and successful method for couples who cannot have a child in normal ways. Among the advantages of blastocyst transfer, the prevention of multiple pregnancies, which is usually seen in IVF treatments, is also at the forefront.

In general terms, the advantages of blastocyst transfer are as follows:

• Waiting until the 5th day of the embryo in the laboratory environment ensures the formation of better quality and healthy cells.
• Transferring the embryo after it reaches a certain size increases the chance of attachment to the uterus.
• It significantly increases the chance of having a baby in women with a high risk of OHSS.
• It eliminates the possibility of multiple pregnancies.
• Healthy embryos selected in the laboratory environment have a very high chance of attachment and pregnancy.

Blastocyst transfer has become a common treatment method thanks to its advantages such as better embryo quality, high success rate, single embryo possibility, a more natural approach, and reduction of recurrent miscarriages. With its clinical facilities and treatment success, Op. Dr. Nurettin Türktekin facilitates the process for those who want to have a child with high success rates in blastocyst transfer treatments.