Fertility Decoded

Blastocyst culture

Growing embryos to day 5–6 (blastocyst) before transfer or freezing, rather than day 2–3.

Written by Fertility Decoded. Reviewed by D R, MS (OBG), FRM. Review date: 31 August 2026.

Established step

This is an established, standard technique used in specific situations — not a limited-evidence add-on.

The verdict

A widely used, generally accepted step — not a limited-evidence add-on, though it may appear as a separate charge.

Who are these bodies?

HFEA
— UK fertility regulator; rates add-ons by evidence (traffic-light).
ESHRE
— European fertility society; evidence-based practice guidance.
NICE
— UK health-guidance body; what the NHS will and won't fund.
ISAR
— Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction; Indian expert consensus.
Cochrane
— Independent global reviewers of the underlying studies.

  • HFEA

    UK regulator

    Not on HFEA's rated list — chance of a baby

  • ESHRE

    European society

    Standard practice

    An established standard technique, not on ESHRE's limited-evidence add-on list.

  • NICE

    UK NHS guidance

    Standard practice

    Extended culture to blastocyst is standard practice, not a limited-evidence add-on.

  • ISAR

    Indian society

    Standard practice

    An established standard step, not a limited-evidence add-on.

  • Cochrane

    Evidence base

    Fresh blastocyst transfer may modestly improve live birth in the fresh cycle, though cumulative live-birth rates are broadly similar to cleavage-stage; standard in most modern labs.

Typical cost in India

~₹10,000–25,000 when billed separately.

Sources

Take this further

Sources last reviewed .