Single Embryo Transfer
What is elective single embryo transfer (eSET)?
Elective single-embryo transfer (eSET) is a procedure in which one embryo,
selected from a larger number of available embryos, is placed in the uterus or
fallopian tube. The embryo selected for eSET might be from a previous IVF cycle
(e.g., cryopreserved embryos (frozen)) or from the current fresh IVF cycle that
yielded more than one embryo. The remaining embryos may be set aside for future
use or cryopreservation.
eSET helps women avoid several risks to their own health that are associated with carrying multiples.
It also helps families achieve success while preventing some risks known to be associated with giving
birth to twins or what is called "high order multiple births" (three or more children born at the same time).
Infants born in multiple births are more often born early (preterm), are smaller (low birth weight) and experience
more adverse health outcomes than singleton infants. There is consensus among experts that the desired outcome
of ART is a healthy singleton infant.
Who is most suitable for single embryo transfer?
Evidence from the medical literature suggests that the use of single
embryo transfer does not reduce your chance of becoming pregnant by IVF,
but will reduce your risk of having a twin pregnancy if you are:
-
1.Under the age of 37.
- 2. Undergoing your first or second IVF treatment (that is, you haven’t had multiple IVF attempts).
- 3. Able to produce at least three good quality embryos on day 3.