The Truth About Blastocyst vs. Day 3 Transfers: Dr. Malpani Debunks IVF Myths
Patient: Dr. Malpani, I’ve heard that a blastocyst transfer has a higher success rate than a Day 3 transfer. If that’s true, why do some doctors still go for Day 3 transfers?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a great question, and it’s something I hear often. Unfortunately, many doctors make up excuses to justify Day 3 transfers, often claiming that embryos “belong” in the body and that a natural environment is better for them than an incubator.
Patient: That does sound logical at first glance. Isn’t the body a better place for the embryo than an artificial incubator?
Dr. Malpani: It does sound logical, and that’s why it’s tempting to believe. But, honestly, these doctors are misleading you. The real reason some doctors prefer Day 3 transfers is that their lab or incubator may not be equipped to grow embryos to Day 5, which requires specialised skills and resources.
Patient: So, they’re doing Day 3 transfers because their lab can’t support blastocyst development?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. A high-quality IVF clinic with skilled embryologists routinely grows embryos to Day 5 worldwide. But if a clinic lacks confidence in its lab’s ability to grow embryos to blastocysts, they’ll transfer on Day 3. They put the embryo in your uterus prematurely, knowing that if it doesn’t implant, it’s no longer their responsibility—it becomes “your problem.”
Patient: But isn’t a Day 3 transfer still effective?
Dr. Malpani: Not necessarily. On Day 3, an embryo is meant to be in the fallopian tube, not the uterus. So, placing it in the uterus that early is actually putting it in the wrong place, reducing your chance of implantation.
Patient: And if the cycle fails, they blame me?
Dr. Malpani: Sadly, that’s often the case. They might say, “We transferred a top-quality Day 3 embryo, so if you didn’t get pregnant, it’s not our fault.” But remember, the issue lies in their lab’s ability to grow embryos properly. You deserve transparency about what will give you the highest chance of success.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Malpani. This clears up a lot. I’ll make sure to choose a clinic that can reliably grow embryos into blastocysts.
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. Don’t let anyone take you for a ride when it comes to your chances of getting pregnant. Ask the right questions and choose a clinic that puts your success first. At our clinic, we offer a free second opinion to help patients evaluate their options. You can fill out a form with your medical details, and we’ll provide guidance. If you prefer, we also offer a paid video consultation (bit.ly/consult-drmalpani) at ₹3000, or you can visit us in person at our clinic in Colaba, Mumbai.