Build the Family of Your Dreams With Pacific Reproductive Center

During the final stages of in vitro fertilization (IVF), several eggs are retrieved from the ovaries. This number can vary between three to over 40, depending on a woman’s age and ovarian response.

Once the egg retrieval process is complete, a fertility specialist selects the best egg or eggs to transfer into the womb.

When IVF technology was still new, fertility experts relied on transferring multiple embryos to boost success rates. This strategy also increases the chances of a multiple pregnancy (e.g., twins or triplets).

What Is a Single Embryo Transfer?

An elective single-embryo transfer (eSet) involves placing a single fertilized egg (or embryo) into the uterus.

By using single embryo transfer IVF technology, fertility specialists can identify and select the highest quality embryo for transfer into the uterus. Women who are considered good candidates for eSET often experience excellent pregnancy rates.

However, women over 35 may not see the same success rates, making eSET a less favorable option. Older women must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of a single vs. double embryo transfer or a single vs. multiple embryo transfer.

Transferring two or more embryos can increase the chance of conception, but it also raises the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy.

Who Is a Good Candidate for eSET?

Elective single-embryo transfer is typically recommended for women who:

• Are younger than 35
• Have more than one top-quality embryo available
• Are undergoing their first IVF cycle or have had prior success with IVF
• Are using embryos from donated eggs.

Women over age 35 may also be considered for eSET if they have a high-quality blastocyst-stage embryo available for transfer.

Can eSET be Done With Frozen Embryos?

Yes. A single-embryo IVF transfer can be performed using fresh and frozen embryos. Frozen embryos do not impact eSET success rates due to advanced cryopreservation techniques.

What Are the Chances of Twins With a Single Frozen Embryo Transfer?

The chances of having twins after an elective single embryo transfer (eSET) are about 1-2%. This is because the blastocyst (e.g., developing embryo) can collapse during the transfer, causing the inner cell mass to split into two. These two inner cell masses then develop into twins.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Success With eSET?

If you and your fertility specialist determine that eSET is right for you, here are a few ways you can improve your chances of success:

• Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Stay hydrated.
• Engage in daily moderate exercise.
• Practice stress-reducing techniques.
• Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.
• Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use.
• Follow all doctor recommendations.
• Attend all fertility appointments to ensure proper medical care and monitoring.

Does Insurance Cover eSet?

Coverage for eSET and other fertility services varies by insurance provider and policy. Please contact your health insurance company directly to confirm your specific benefits and coverages.

Pacific Reproductive Center offers fertility treatment financing options to help make growing your family affordable. We are happy to discuss these options with you at your consultation appointment.

Build the Family of Your Dreams With Pacific Reproductive Center

If you are considering an elective single embryo transfer (eSET) after IVF, please schedule a consultation with Pacific Reproductive Center. We are ready help you build the family of your dreams.