3 replies to this topic

[argylesox]

Hi,
We are embarking on our first IVF/ICSI cycle, and are currently grappling with whether to transfer one or two embryos. We're both leaning towards 1, and our RE has recommended this. I'm unsure, though, given the substantial costs -- physical and financial -- of each cycle.

Can you recommend reliable sources of information to help inform this decision? I've done some web searching, but haven't really found what I need to help me make this decision. I'm looking for statistics and perspectives on success rates when transferring one versus two, or anything else you think might help us make this decision.

Thanks in advance!

[Luckypenny]

I don't have any studies to reference, but for us factors that I considered when electing to transfer a single embryo were the increased risks for both mom and babes with twins. It's harder physically for a mom to carry twins. It is also harder to carry to full term, which may have health implications for the babies. I knew with my size (5'2", 110lbs prior to pregnancy) I would have really struggled to carry two babies to full term and a healthy birth weight. For a larger person (taller, heavier frame - I'm very slight- someone who has wider shoulders, hips, etc. may not have as much difficulty carrying the weight) it may not be such a factor. Another thing we considered was that this was our first ivf and we were unexplained. Also, the quality of the embryos at transfer, and my age (34). If the embryos had been lower quality than they were or if I had been older, those would have been factors that would have influenced our decision. Even with studies, these are good factors to consider.

Good luck with your decision, it is a difficult one!

[Peter]

Hi,
We are embarking on our first IVF/ICSI cycle, and are currently grappling with whether to transfer one or two embryos. We're both leaning towards 1, and our RE has recommended this. I'm unsure, though, given the substantial costs -- physical and financial -- of each cycle.

Can you recommend reliable sources of information to help inform this decision? I've done some web searching, but haven't really found what I need to help me make this decision. I'm looking for statistics and perspectives on success rates when transferring one versus two, or anything else you think might help us make this decision.

Your RE has confidence that the lab is producing embryos of the quality required for SET. I would go with SET. There is no link between embryo number and success rate.

Good luck!

Peter

Thanks in advance!

[angelgirl]

Argylesox - we are also strongly considering eSET. Here are two sources I found which were very helpful:

http://www.sogc.org/...241CPG1004E.pdf (a Canadian clinical practice guidelines document, co-authored by one of the doctors at the AART clinic)

http://www.bioethics...yo Transfer.ppt (a discussion of some of the moral implications of eSET, which are well worth thinking about. One of the investigators on this project, Francoise Baylis, is an extremely well-respected bio-ethicist working out of Dalhousie)