Maximizing IVF Success: The Importance of Day 5 Embryo Transfers Explained by Dr. Malpani

Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ve heard that day five embryos, or blastocysts, have better pregnancy rates than day three embryos. Is that true?

Dr. Malpani: Yes, you're right. The pregnancy rates with day five embryos are better, and it’s actually quite commonsensical when you think about it.

Patient: Why is that? What makes day five embryos better than day three ones?

Dr. Malpani: Well, let’s imagine we had perfect technology and could grow the embryo all the way to a nine-month-old baby in the lab. If we could do that, IVF clinics would achieve 100% pregnancy rates, right? We’d take the eggs and sperm, grow the baby in the lab, and hand over a fully developed baby to the parents.

Patient: That would be amazing, but we can’t do that, right?

Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Our technology isn’t advanced enough for that, but it’s good enough to grow embryos to day five or day six. This is why competent IVF clinics focus on growing embryos to day five before transferring them.

Patient: So, why do some clinics still transfer embryos on days two or three?

Dr. Malpani: Unfortunately, some IVF clinics transfer embryos on day two or three because they lack the confidence or skill to grow them to day five. They want to "dump" the embryos back into the uterus quickly. If the cycle fails, they can blame the patient, saying they did their part by making embryos, but it was the body that didn’t implant them.

Patient: That doesn’t seem fair. Isn’t day five transfer better for implantation?

Dr. Malpani: It is! Day five embryos have a better implantation rate because they’re more developed. They have more cells and are easier to select. By day five, we can choose the best embryo, which increases the chances of pregnancy.

Patient: So, it’s better to wait until day five before transferring?

Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. A day five embryo is where it belongs—in the uterus. As a patient, it’s important to be informed and insist on day five transfers. It significantly improves your chances of success.

Patient: That makes sense. I’ll definitely ask for a day five transfer in my next cycle.

Dr. Malpani: Good choice! Always ask questions and make sure your clinic is working in your best interest. If you need more details or have any doubts, feel free to reach out.