I'm obsessing over 3-day vs. 5-day transfer

I got my fert report today (5 fertilized) and was told to prepare for a 3-day transfer. Of course, now I'm researching like a looney toon, and pretty much everything suggests that a 5-day transfer is preferred over 3-day (which I already knew). The whole notion that in a natural conception, 3-day embryos would still be in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus (where the transfer puts them), is sort of throwing me off. I mean, I'm SURE my doctor (Dr. B) knows what he's talking about, but I can't help but wonder.

What are your thoughts/experiences with this?? Thanks!!

Re: I'm obsessing over 3-day vs. 5-day transfer

Rest assured, Dr.B knows what he is doing. I did a 3 day transfer for my last IVF cycle because I didn't have a ton of embryos to choose from (I had 6.. so close to what you have). The problem with waiting to do a 5 day transfer if you don't have a huge selection, is many times the embryos thrive better in the uterus. If you leave them out to chance and see how they progress to day 5, you risk many not making it. At least that's my understanding.

Many people (including me!!) have had success with 3 day transfers!! Many practices exclusively do 3 day transfers even .. so .. do yourself a favor and stay off Google and leave that part to Dr.B. He has a good reason for everything he does.

Re: I'm obsessing over 3-day vs. 5-day transfer

I've had both, 3 day and 5 day transfers.
Yes, it is always better to transfer a blast. But plenty of women have gotten pregnant from 3 day transfers. Sometimes, you just don't have enough embryos to wait until day 5 and sometimes the quality is a problem. I've heard of some Dr.'s always putting them in on Day 3.
I wouldn't focus too much on it. Stop worrying and just pray for those little embies.

Re: I'm obsessing over 3-day vs. 5-day transfer

My first IVF cycle I did FET's of 2 5 day blasts. Both resulted in chemicals. I am happy to say, with a change of protocol and a 3 day transfer (by choice b/c we learned from my previous cycle that I lost many embryos from day 3 to day 5) I am pregnant!!! Good luck and never give up hope!!! One recommendation I have is to transfer more on day 3 than you would on a day 5. We transfered 3 this time.

Re: I'm obsessing over 3-day vs. 5-day transfer

First...congrats to you Anne!!

As for the original question...I would not worry. I have done both and honestly, when you do not have a large selection to choose from, it seems like a 3-Day transfer is the way to go. If you have many, it makes sense to go to day 5 to see which ones are thriving. An embie may look good on Day 3 and then fizzle out on Day 5. Yes...5 day transfers have higher success rates, but that is obviously because those embies made it to blast and we have no idea if those put back in on the 3rd day will. On the other hand, I have read untold stories of ladies with no luck at all with 5-day transfers that have luck with 3-day transfers. There are pros and cons for both and as far as I can tell...success with each. GL!!

Re: I'm obsessing over 3-day vs. 5-day transfer

Thank you all for your replies!

It will be what it will be, and I am okay with that. Just praying for the best!!