Single or double egg transfer

[Suze4]

So we have decided on a clinic. Next big decision is one or two embryo transfer. I am nearly 43 and have read that women over age of 37 are allowed double transfer if having NHS treatment. Does anyone know the reasoning behind this? Is it because it increases your chances of even having one embryo progressing?

[louisear]

hi Suze. We recently had the same dilemma. Last Weds afternoon was my embryo transfer and I spent all morning stressing/debating 1 or 2. Whilst it was a nice problem to have in a way (some aren't lucky enough to have 2 good quality embryos), it was difficult weighing up the pros and cons. In answer to your question, older women generally have poorer quality eggs so I think the aim is to increase your changes that one will implant. Whilst there's a higher risk of miscarriage in twin pregnancy I got the impression that our consultant was saying it was unlikely both would implant and as having a double transfer increases your chances by 5% in the end it was a no brainer. The embryologist also said we could lose the second one anyway if it was frozen due to its poorer quality to the first so I decided the best place for it was in me not the freezer. The consultant's last words to us were that we'd made the right decision which I was happy about as you trust their judgement. Hope this helps and best wishes with your cycle xx

[Suze4 in reply to louisear]

We are donor egg though so eggs will be young and hopefully good quality. Wondered if there was something regarding age/uterus quality that can adversely affect chances of implantation. As far as I know my uterus is ok as had pelvic scan. Good luck louiesar x

[emu2016 in reply to Suze4]

Hello Suze, my consultant has told us we may as well have 2 embryos transferred to increase the chances for us. We're having donor eggs too. My clinic also happens to have a 28% twin success rate. Which is slightly worrying at times! Not sure that helps. But thought I'd chip in. Good luck with your journey xx

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to emu2016]

There was also a lady on here who ended up having four babies as both her embryos split to become twins... maybe also bear that in mind... I'm sure it's a very slim chance but it is possible!

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to louisear]

I feel the same as Louise... I used to think I'd only have one transferred in any circumstance but now I'm 38 and have realised that I would not want to lose an embryo that couldn't be frozen, so in that circ I'd have two put back.

Last time I only had one anyway, so no decision to be made, but I could hear the couple in the next bay having to make that very decision on the day of ET, so I think it would be better to have thought through all the possible circumstances first before you get faced with the decision on the day!

[Suze4 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Yes I need to decide prior to transfer as going abroad and will be frozen transfer. But who knows how many eggs we will get. Optimistic it will be plentiful as will be younger donor with proven fertility!

[sanj76]

This us such a tough choice but I totally agree with Louise, your consultant would advise you but ultimately it's your choice.

Our situation was the same, the wife is 38, we had 4 good ( 2 very good embies frozen ), this was due to a pylop being removed ( so we could'nt get a fresh transfer done. We had read that FETs tend to be successful, and she had a scratch done too.

So after much thought, we decided based on advise and her age that we would have two put in ( the better of the 2 wer used and thawed perfectly), so going on to 3/4 weeks of transfer, we had a few issues and found out that one didn't make it.

However I'm pleased to say the wife is now 12 weeks, with the one embie.... so I guess looking back now I'm glad we made that choice. We will of course never know which out of the two implanted but all our efforts will be staying positive fur the one that stuck.

Hope that helps and wishing you all the very best

[anna0908]

We are having donor eggs next cycle and have been advised single transfer despite having double with own eggs. It's different with donor eggs as they are more likely to be chromosomaly normal and develop into a baby. From what I remember from our consult, I think about 70% of younger eggs are chromosomaly normal compared to about 30% at 40, and most chromosomaly abnormal eggs won't implant and develop. Therefore a double transfer at 40 is still only likely to have 1 implant where as younger eggs have a high likelihood of twins with all the added complications. However, also depends on if 3 or 5 day transfer as only 50% go from day 3 to day 5! With blastocyst transfer with younger eggs, the advice is to have only 1. Hope that all makes sense! If it is under nhs, I expect the rules will be single transfer with blastocyst at 5 day transfer xx

[Lizzielizzielizzie in reply to anna0908]

My clinic said NHS rules have recently changed to allow double transfer for over 37yr olds, but no idea how that is implemented when the eggs have come from an under 38yr old!

[Suze4 in reply to anna0908]

Yes I think donor eggs are younger and therefore more likely to implant, hence the process is done. We will be day 5 blastocyst. Clinic say up to us really but 28% chance of twins with double transfer. The impulsive side of me says, just go for it. The safe side of me says risks carrying two s is high but then if you have 2 children from one intervention then is good thing too. That is why finding hard to decide. X

[Jaky76]

Hiya, I am 40 and had 4 rounds of ivf with own eggs and always had 2 put in, 2 rounds BFN, 2 rounds BFP, one single pregnancy, one twin pregnancy, sadly miscarriages... Been to Greece this time for Donor eggs, my Donor is 26 and they put 2 in of fab grade and BFP... First scan revealed one baby.... So I would say 2...but you got to feel comfortable if both were to stick.

Wishing you loads of luck 🍀, lots of love Jackie xxx

[Nesfin]

Having a viable twin pregnancy at 40+ is very rare for the reasons mentioned already above, and my clinic has always recommended to put two back in. Last year I had a single pregnancy that sadly resulted in miscarriage but this year I had two top quality blasts put back in and I'm (to the absolute astonishment of my doctor) 13 weeks pregnant with twins. Vanishing twin syndrome is very common in the first trisemester, and I know there are further risks and possible complications but I also have to look at it as a double blessing ❤ So - in my opinion - as long as you are aware of and comfortable with the unlikely result of twin pregnancy, you can go ahead with two embryo transfer to increase your changes of getting pregnant. And as always my advice is to talk to your clinic about your personal circumstances if you are unsure of anything, it is important you trust their expertise and make an informed decision. All the best for ET and hope to read your BFP post soon!! xoxo

[Suze4 in reply to Nesfin]

Hi, been told 28% chance of twins with double transfer. You are right, is a double blessing but scary! Mind you whole process is not scary at times! Big decisions! Hope things progress amazingly x

[72cloud9]

My clinic told me at my age transferring 2 is preferable however it didn't work for me.we only have 1 embie left so be interesting to see if I get a better result with 1

Good luck with your decision xxx

[Suze4 in reply to 72cloud9]

Do you know the reasoning they recommended 2? Good luck with your embie. Do you know when you are going for transfer again? X

[72cloud9 in reply to Suze4]

I'm really not sure now u ask-I thought it was to do with 'stickability' at my age but i know it's the same with DE so actually that can't be the reason.

Going again in May xxx

[Suze4 in reply to 72cloud9]

Good luck in may. Our clinic still finding donor. I hope will be June for us x

[72cloud9 in reply to Suze4]

So u won't be far behind!! June will be here in a heartbeat x