Fertility Care in Northern Ireland
A blastocyst is an embryo that has developed for five to six days after fertilisation. When combined with IVF or ICSI treatments this gives the embryologist the opportunity to select those embryo(s) which are more likely to implant.
No Additional Cost
See our full fee schedule for IVF and ICSI costs.
Many patients undergoing IVF and ICSI treatment have more embryos available than are required for transfer. In order to select the best embryos for transfer and thus improve the outcome of treatment, it is sometimes desirable to culture the embryos past day 2 or day 3 stage, especially when considering elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET).
This extended culture allows embryos to develop into blastocysts and gives the embryologist the opportunity to select those embryo(s) which are more likely to implant. Selection of embryo(s) for transfer on day 5 should allow the transfer of fewer embryos. This in turn should reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy while maintaining the overall chance of a pregnancy for the individual patient.
