Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I am 33 and DH and I are trying to conceive our first child. Our issue is male factor (low count). I am nearing the end of my IVF stimulation. I will administer the HCG trigger probably tomorrow night with retrieval on Friday.

If this works and I have a healthy baby, I will be eternally grateful. I prefer a singleton, but will be happy with anything! The clinic wants to transfer two embryos. I think most likely we will allow them to transfer two but how did you guys decide? And were you "afraid" of twins? If this were our second or third attempt at IVF, I would not hesitate to transfer two. But this is our first cycle. We went straight to IVF, and didn't even attempt IUI.

Message edited 11/24/2009 10:43:07 AM.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

For us, we wanted the best possible odds to have a baby. I was 37 at the time of my IVF cycle last year and we put 3 back on a 3dt. I did get pregnant with twins, but lost one at 7 weeks and gave birth to a singleton. There was no decision to really make, we just wanted the best possible odds for our situation (also MF, but my age and other factors too).

This time around, we are doing a FET. We did do Microarray testing on all 6 and only had 2 normals out of them. We are transferring the 2, and the odds of twins are increased because we know there are no genetic abnormalities. I'll be honest though, I'm terrified this time around of having twins, but again, we want to give ourselves the best possible odds of conceiving so I am putting my fear aside (for now! ) I don't want to keep going through IVF after IVF to have another child. My body seriously needs a hormonal break.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

First of all good luck to you
to answer your question I think it's really a decision that you have to make and be comfortable with. I think it also depends on what your issues are.
I have been pregnant 4 times and lost all four, but I have a chromosomal problem so our first cycle we transferred two and BFN - our second cycle we chose to be more agressive and tranferred 4 - got pregnant but lost it not sure if it was chemical or ectopic.

There are so many things to think about and I hope whatever decision you make that it all works out for you

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Honestly, I think it's a really personal decision. For me, part of the decision to put back two related to cost. My insurance would only pay for IVF 1X so I wanted to increase my "chances" as much as possible. That may sound like a silly reason, but it's something that I realistically had to consider.

I think it could also depend on the # of embies that fertilize. If u r worried about twins, and have a lot of embies that look like they'll make it to freeze, maybe it would be worth it to you to only put back 1....at least you know youll have a back-up plan if the first time doesn't work.

I know that religious issues also effect some people's decision.

Regarding the possiblilty of twins...I think I was secretly hoping for twins. When I found out that I got my wish, I was still scared by it. I think that multiples ARE scary even if they're something that u want...but I know that all of my friends with twins were beyond overjoyed once the kids were born.

Not sure if I answered your question, but hope this helps!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Message edited 11/24/2009 11:41:05 AM.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I would never put back more than 2 at 33 yrs old.. Especially if you have no issues,, If you dont think you can handle twins then put back 1 and pray it doesnt split. best of luck to you

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

My RE has a "single embryo transfer program" where you agree to transfer just one, they freeze the rest, and if the one does not implant, then you can have a FET and not pay any extra for it.

Personally, this is the ONLY reason why I am going with a single. Because I absolutely cannot afford to go through this again. I am paying out of pocket. So if the first one does not "take", I can transfer as many times as I have frozen embryos left.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I am torn as well. I already have one child, and would prefer to get pregnant with one baby at a time, but am leaning towards transferring two.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Message edited 11/24/2009 3:22:23 PM.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

When we did IVF (also solely bc of male factor) we had the option of transferring one or two (no more than that). We were both okay with the possibility that we could have twins and there were no pre-existing health reasons why I wouldn't be able to carry them.

When we got to the transfer they were set up to transfer one and we opted to do two, which they were more than fine with for our case. I figured if I went through all this work with the whole IVF process I was going to make it worth our wild and thankfully it worked for us and my twins are due April 15th!

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I have ALWAYS wanted twins so this was an easy decision for us. I also skipped IUI... doctor thought being that Im 26 and stimming and doing IUI I could end up as Octomom so we went straight unto IVF....

Whatever decision you make its between you and your hubby... my husband and I have always wanted twins though so HOPEFULLY both stick@!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I wish you luck in your decision. You probably will feel it in your gut after you think about all the facts for your situation.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I never wanted twins, the thought always scared me. We have a healthy son and I always wanted a big family. Now that we are faced with IF I would be overjoyed if I were to get pregnant with twins. Having had a singleton I know that I will be totally overwhelmed if I have twin babies and a toddler running around but I will deal with that if it comes to it. I just feel that this may be my last chance to conceive, I really don't want to continue going thru IVF so if I get pregnant with twins I will be really happy about it. We will be putting back two embryos if we are lucky enough to get two good embryos (which I think we will since I have about a dozen follies right now!).

I have spoken to moms of twins and while I do think it's a lot more difficult than having just one baby, you can manage. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

First off I want to wish you luck. Secondly I would transfer 2 this increases your chances of at least 1 taking. I had my first and IVF last Dec the Dr transferred 4 and 3 took. I now have 3 healthy babies that were born in July. Yes it is hard but you learn to manage and I am glad things worked out the way they did. My advice is RELAX what ever will be will be. You will be fine no matter what the outcome is. Again best of luck and have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Message edited 11/24/2009 8:28:46 PM.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I was (am) 34 when I did my IVF cycle. We were okay with twins (I was hoping for twins, DH was not), so we put back two perfect embryos on a 5 day transfer. One stuck and DD was born 6 weeks ago.

I personally would put back two. I was told that there was a 50% chance of success, which held true for me.

I plan to put two back when we go for our FET in a few years in the hopes of the same outcome as we got this time.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Good luck!!!!
I have not gotten to IVF yet, but plan on transferring two if I do get to that point. I want to make sure I give myself the best possible chance to get pg, so I think two (I am almost 32) is reasonable.

I am not afraid about twins...in fact, I would LOVE twins...one and done! However, we do have twins in my family, so I am very afraid of multiples beyond twins.

I think there is an inherent risk in any IF treatment and that it is a very individual decision that you and your DH have to make. Good luck making the right decision for you!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Posted by shelby34

Good luck!!!!
I have not gotten to IVF yet, but plan on transferring two if I do get to that point. I want to make sure I give myself the best possible chance to get pg, so I think two (I am almost 32) is reasonable.

I am not afraid about twins...in fact, I would LOVE twins...one and done! However, we do have twins in my family, so I am very afraid of multiples beyond twins.

I think there is an inherent risk in any IF treatment and that it is a very individual decision that you and your DH have to make. Good luck making the right decision for you!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Whether you end up with a singelton, twins or more you will manage. Hell if I can handle triplets at my age you will be fine....

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I had 3 at 39, put all three back, all took one did not progress...so I am darn glad I did three!
good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I'd love !

I'm sure it would be hard...but after months & months of BFNs: to imagine a fast kick-start & a family of 4! It'd be wonderful!!!

I also think there is a pretty big difference health-wise in twins vs triplets (for baby & mom).

That being said, it is a personal choice.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I went in this morning for the pre-op paperwork and DH and I agreed on transferring two tomorrow.

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Good luck!!

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

Re: Thoughts on single vs. multiple embryo transfer

I never got that far unfortunately but Davis rocks.

All of the docs there are top notch. Davis is my doc so I'm partial to him and always request him when he's there.