Should I transfer two embryos?

[Anonymous]

Starting first IVF cycle and it has been a really significant financial and emotional toll getting to this point. I will be doing my fresh embryo transfer if all goes well in two weeks. Can anyone provide data points/anecdotes from multiple embryo transfers and the ultimate outcomes? My RE says two is the max he would transfer and I am trying to weigh the pros and cons. I would not transfer more than two that’s for sure

[Anonymous]

I would wait to see how many you get.

[Anonymous]

Are you comfortable with the idea of twins?

[Anonymous]

I transferred two because I made too many embryos and wanted to increase my chances. The outcome: twins. I love having twins however they were premature and had some minor complications. If you are cool with that possibility then go for it!

[Anonymous]

We did two and they are now 14. But I had an easy pregnancy so it’s easy to say go for two. It sure about your health and financial situation. If all are good, twins are great!!

[Anonymous]

I did two embryos and ended up with one DS. Fresh transfers like you. They could have have been frozen, so it was a use it lose it situation. RE strongly recommended xfer both. Obviously feel like it was the right call

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did two embryos and ended up with one DS. Fresh transfers like you. They could have have been frozen, so it was a use it lose it situation. RE strongly recommended xfer both. Obviously feel like it was the right call

Sorry meant to say they could NOT have been frozen

[Anonymous]

No, absolutely not on the first round. If it doesn't stick then maybe next time. Twins risk your health and your babies. If you are ok with a long bedrest, NICU stay and possibly special needs then go for it.

[Anonymous]

It really depends on how many embryos you have. (I am assuming no PGS testing here.)

If you have a lot of embryos, sure I would consider transferring 2 if you are comfortable with twins and the risks that come with a twin pregnancy.

If you have just a few embryos, say 2 or 3, I would just transfer only 1 on the first try, freeze the rest. Sometimes they will discover you have a uterine or immune issue after a failed transfer and do additional testing. It would be a shame to waste two embryos and then discover there was something that could easily be treated before trying again.

If all of your embryos aren't good enough to freeze, then yes I'd definitely transfer 2 because otherwise you lose them.

[Anonymous]

How old are you? If 40 then yes - definitely transfer two. If 30 then only 1 unless you want twins.

[Anonymous]

I think this depends on your age and on the rating of your embryos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, absolutely not on the first round. If it doesn't stick then maybe next time. Twins risk your health and your babies. If you are ok with a long bedrest, NICU stay and possibly special needs then go for it.

+1. I transferred two on my first round, because I was almost 42 and they weren't tested so I figured I'd be lucky if one stuck. I also feared having to go through such an extensive process again if one didn't take. Both implanted but were ultimately born so premature that neither survived. On top of that, post-birth complications damaged my uterus such that I later found I could no longer carry a child at all. When I later did an FET (unsuccessful for those medical reasons, but we didn't know that at the time) I was shocked how much faster and easier (and cheaper) it was. If I had realized that earlier I never, never would have implanted two. I still feel a pang when I see twins - though I know several happy families with IVF twins which is great - but the risks are real and just aren't usually worth it, in my opinion at least.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

[Anonymous]

Depends on age or if they’re tested. I would do 2 if there is an overall low likelihood of success, so that there is essentially no chance of twins. I love the idea of healthy twins, but everyone I know well enough to have discussed birth details who had twins had significant complications (including late loss of both, unexpected still birth of one, near death of 1 requiring major surgery at birth, and more), so I have a strong aversion to a twin pregnancy, even though I would have loved to have twins.

[Anonymous]

Strongly recommend reading this NY Times series on the dangers of multiples and talking over your own fertility factors with your RE honestly.

https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/health/12fertility.html

There are many good and happy outcomes to transferring two embryos but that rarer side effects are really scary. (To me at least. You will need to make the best choices for your specific situation.)

[Anonymous]

Nope, it's not worth the risk. Do not do two. I know a family that chose twins and mother had complications during pregnancy. One is normal but the other child has severe mental damage. They will be taking care of the child for the rest of their lives.