Given the risks to mother and child/ren as well as the costs of multiple pregnancy a worldwide effort toward elective single embryo transfer (eSET) is being advocated. In Europe as well as selected clinics in the US this program is being implemented. Guidelines for patient selection and laboratory criteria are being established so that the number of embryos transferred can be reduced from two to one without compromising the ongoing pregnancy rates and reducing the rate of twin pregnancies to half of what it is currently.

Not all patients will be candidates for elective single embryo transfer and the proportion of patients for whom this procedure will be appropriate will vary from program to program. Patient objections to this option might be a fear of lower pregnancy rates or a desire to maximize their chances due to financial constraints. Discuss this option with your physician to see if you are a candidate and the clinic’s success rates using elective single embryo transfer.

References:
Experts in Reproductive Medicine Meeting. February 24-27,2005, Naples, FL