Single embryo transfer at Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels
Single embryo transfer involves selection of the healthiest, most viable embryo for transfer in an effort to avoid multiple births.
About single embryo transfer – SET
Most patients undergo ovarian stimulation prior as part of IVF, although some women may choose natural cycle or minimal stimulation. Once the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized.
When the embryos have developed to the appropriate stage, they are evaluated, and the highest quality embryo is selected for transfer. The remaining embryos are stored for possible later use.
Candidates for SET
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine considers single embryo transfer most appropriate for:
- Women 35 years of age or younger
- Patients undergoing their first IVF cycle
- Those with at least two high quality embryos available for transfer
Other good candidates include:
- Recipients of donor egg cycles
- Prior successful pregnancy from the same IVF cycle
- Women with uterine anomalies, such as a bicornuate or unicornuate uterus
Advantages of transferring just one embryo
The use of elective single embryo transfer has increased over the past decade because of its effectiveness in avoiding multiple pregnancy in in vitro fertilization -IVF- cycles. Multiple births, even twins, increase the health risks for mother and babies, including premature births, low birth weight infants, pregnancy complications and a higher rate of Cesarean sections.
SET success rates
Pregnancy success rates for SET are excellent when the patient is a good candidate and a high-quality embryo is selected for the procedure. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the success rate of single embryo transfer was only slightly lower than that of double embryo transfer. The live birth rate increases when additional healthy embryos have been frozen and are available for a second transfer or if the embryo is known to be chromosomally normal through PGS.
Dr. Susan Hudson at Texas Fertility Center of New Braunfels specializes in fertility treatments for couples who are need IVF to grow their families. Take the first step – call Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels today to schedule your personal consultation.