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			Concern Treatment Pregnancy Experiences Treatment The Doctor's Visit Personalised Treatment Female Treatments First Step Second Step Third Step ART at a Glance IVF ICSI GIFT Blastocyst Transfer Egg Donation Male Treatments Implications of Treatment Enhance Your Well-being Questions to Ask Your Doctor Treatment FAQ Devices for Administration of Medication		Blastocyst Transfer Until recently, it was possible to grow an embryo in the laboratory for only about three days, when it contained five to ten cells. New technology now makes it possible to grow an embryo in the lab for five or six days, when it contains about 100 cells and enters what is known as the blastocyst stage. Only 30% to 40% of embryos survive to reach this stage.  The main advantage of transferring embryos at the blastocyst stage is that they are stronger and more likely to lead to pregnancy. A physician can usually transfer fewer blastocysts to achieve high pregnancy rates while minimizing the risk of multiple births.  The disadvantage is that there is a risk that few or no embryos will survive to the blastocyst stage and the IVF cycle will have to be terminated. Embryos that failed to survive in the lab may have survived if they had been transferred to the uterus sooner. The cause of infertility and history with IVF can help each patient and physician decide together whether blastocyst transfer is an appropriate choice.
			© 2003-2008 Merck Serono S.A. Please read our Legal Statement. US residents should consult the Serono, Inc. fertility website at www.fertilitylifelines.com Last Updated: 5/6/2008