Embryo Transfer....Has anyone had...

....2 blastocysts put back during ET?

I'm having my review next week and want to push for 2 to be transferred next cycle.

I know they're very against this due to the high risk of multiple births.

Just wondered if anyone has had any experience so I can put a persuasive case forward if necessary.

Cate. x

[lou79]

Hi, I had my ET just over a week ago and they put two blasts in. My consultant told me at a previous consultation that he was putting me down for two because of my age (im 36) but if there was just one really good one then it would be a single transfer. As it turned out by the day of my transfer only two of my 7 embryos made it to blast so they put them both in. So its all or nothing for me this time as nothing left to freeze If you want two then tell your consultant and see what they advise. It may come down to quality not quantity at time of ET. Good luck xx

[Anjel2]

Hi Cate,

I have my ET tomorrow and I was told I could potentially have 2 transferred due to my age (38). I think it really depends on age as my consultant said if I was younger they would only transfer one.

Good luck xxx

[Hidden]

Thanks ladies.

I'm 32 so don't think they will agree based on age. I recall when I asked last time (after my first failed attempt) I was told they wouldn't consider it unless I'd had at least 2 unsuccessful cycles (which is where I'm at now).

I'll keep you informed. x

[Kernishp]

Where I live in the world (Dubai) FET is not allowed so it is more common to have 2 transferred, regardless of age (I am 33). I also knew we couldn't afford to have more than one round of IVF so made the case with my doctors that this was an 'all or nothing' chance for us. I am now pregnant with twins. It is scary when I think about something going wrong and losing one or both of them, but I also think that fear is there with any pregnancy- multiple or singleton. What is fantastic for us is knowing that we'll have the 2 children we dreamed of and won't have the expense and stress of IVF again; yes newborn twins is going to be very, very hard work and if they arrive early they will need some time in hospital 😢- but we don't know anything different. Good luck. Xx

[Anjel2 in reply to Kernishp]

Congratulations Kernishp, that's fantastic news. I'm sure being pregnant with twins they monitor you very closely. I'm an identical twin and was born 6 weeks premature, my Sister and I are both very healthy and have never been in hospital for anything other than have our tonsils out! Lol xxx

Wishing you all the best xxx

[Kernishp in reply to Anjel2]

Thank you Anjel2- it's always reassuring to hear stories like yours- I've taken to reading about the Walton sextuplets whenever I feel overwhelmed! Good luck for your transfer tomorrow! Xx

[hopeforICSI]

Good luck dear Angel2 xx wish you happy healthy pregnancy xx

[Kernishp]

It would be interesting to see if there are any statistics on the percentage of women who have had two or more successful IVF cycles and if so, what ages they were during those cycles. I knew we would struggle to raise the money for a second cycle, especially if we were lucky enough for the first one to work and we were paying for nappies, buggies, car seats, cots, childcare etc. Also, I calculated that by the time we would be able in theory to go for a second cycle, I would be at least 36- in which case they'd have put 2 back anyway! Any child is a blessing but maybe you could put those questions to your doctor and see what they say- I think sometimes they put too much focus on their clinic statistics and not creating too many multiple pregnancies, rather than looking at your individual picture of whether ideally you would like to be a 1, 2, 3 or more child family and the best way to go about achieving this.

[Hidden]

Thanks Kernishp, you're right. As part of the whole infertility battle I've also been worrying if we'll ever manage to have more than one child.

I think it should ultimately be our choice how many embryos we have put back. I understand multiple births create extra risk but surely as Anjel2 says, if monitored properly it should be manageable.

I've been told (don't know if 100% true) that hospitals have to adhere to strict statistics in terms of multiple births and if they don't meet them they risk being fined, which explains why they are so against putting 2 back.

I would like more than one child but I also know time is not on my side. I'm lucky enough to have 3 free cycles but if I have a child without using the three up I'll have to pay if we want more. Finding money for a private cycle would be tough.

This is yet another thing that we have to consider and deal with. All this continuous worry can't be good for us. x

[Kernishp]

It does feel a bit like the attitude is if you suffer from infertility then 1 child should be enough for you, whereas no-one would consider expecting a couple without fertility issues to stop at 1. I hope this cycle works for you whether it's 1 or 2 they put back. Good luck. Xxx