Would you go for a single or double transfer?

[Kiri23]

Hi all.

At egg collection we had 8 eggs retrieved, 6 successfully went through ICSI and 2 fertilised. At the day 3 call we were told both are developing well and it’s hard to distinguish between them both at this stage so we have decided to see how they go to day 5.

I thought that if both do well, do 1 transfer. My husband wants to transfer both if possible. We would both be happy with twins but I appreciate that risks are higher. The reason he wants to transfer both is because we just can’t handle the stress of ivf, the waiting, the meds. I know you are all in the same boat, you are all so strong and brave. I have low AMH, my husband has low sperm and I think that we are at the peak of where we can get. I also know there’s a risk that it won’t work and it will be the end of our journey.

I want to make the right decision for us so I wanted to ask about everyone’s experiences and thoughts. We don’t have anyone else to ask and it is all such a worry.

Grateful for any thoughts, experiences or even general comments.

Many thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Kiri,

In the past I have opted for double transfer as I have only had 2 blastocysts on each of my two cycles. Both cycle was BFNs

This time we went with an egg donor and it really has taken it out of us too. I decided to go for a single transfer and for me I feel so much less stress as I know there’s something in the freezer just in case.

My partner is also struggling with the stress of it all but pretends he’s ok. When I mentioned about those left to freeze in case this doesn’t work he went very pale and said we need a break.

I guess what I’m trying say is for me it’s given me peace of mind but for him it’s a worry.

Not sure that really helps with your question but I thought I would share my experience

X

[Kiri23 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. There are so many emotions and thoughts to get through, it gets overly complicated in your mind so it does help knowing we are now alone! Wishing you the very best 🤞 🍀

[Solly-44]

Our first 2 transfers we had to do single embryos - they were good grades so that was our clinics policy, but neither took. Our 3rd I pushed for a double, we had our son from that round. Then transferred 1 and miscarried, then transferred 2 and miscarried, currently in my 2ww having transferred 2!

So we’ve done both but as you’ve said you wouldn’t mind twins then I’d go double. I have the same mindset as your husband. The warnings of extra risk with twins terrifies me but I can’t just keep ploughing away with single transfers. It is such a lot every time - financially, physically, but much more so (for me) emotionally. We were lucky enough to get a good amount of embryos from a frozen cycle so that possibly plays into it. Lots of luck whatever you go with! Xx

[Kiri23 in reply to Solly-44]

Thank you. It does require so much investment and takes alot out of you. So many high and lows on the journey too. I hope your 2ww flies by and you get your positive 🤞 🍀

[Habibi87]

Our first FET was with a single PGA tested embryo and ended in a very early chemical. Second FET was with a single PGA tested embryo and BFN. By this stage we had done pretty much all possible tests and nothing had explained what the problem was. For the third FET I insisted on transferring two embryos even though they were PGA tested and this was against our clinic advice. Luckily one of the two stuck and we got our BFP 💓.

[Kiri23 in reply to Habibi87]

Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing your experience. Take it easy now! X

[HollyT7]

I'd transfer 1 for two reasons. First to give myself two seperate chances of it working. And, if I hadn't had my pregnancies already then I would have considered transferring both, but knowing the issues you can have with 1, it would put me off transferring two. We thought twins would be great but there are so many health risks to consider and I'd of hated to risk losing both babies.

[Runninglady87]

Hey Kiri,

Exactly the same as you I have low amh and my fiance has low sperm. I got 8 eggs, 5 went to blastocysts, 1 transferred and 4 frozen. We only transfered 1 back as thats what the recommendation from my specialist was at the time. I am so happy we did. I am now 4 weeks and 4 days pregnant with our little miracle and tasted my hcg yesterday it was 12dp5dt and 1043 which is amazing!!

Have a conversation with your specialist, talk over your reasonings with them and of course with your partner and see what's best.

Wishing you all the luck in the world for your journey. Xxx

[Ivfgotadream]

I have twins from a double transfer and bloody loved every second so if you ok financially emotionally physically with twins or even triplets I’d go for the double

My husband on the other hand couldn’t cope with the reality of twins and has recently ended our marriage and being a member of an online twin group it’s quite common for relationships to struggle with the relentlessness of multiples

[Albs171]

is this your first transfer? Or potential pregnancy?

I had a single transfer - FET ICSI - for my first which was a chemical,..

The consultant said that often the very first time you are pregnant the body can reject as it’s not used to it/fights boy dna. And that is more common than they fully explain. Like your body learning how to be pregnant.

My second single FET took (so far) and currently 18weeks.

I think maybe ask the consultant… it could be rubbish advice and they all have different opinions, but maybe worth an ask…

Good luck though sending all the sticking vibes!

[Kiri23]

Thank you everyone for sharing your experience and for your thoughts. We decided to follow our consultant’s advice and transfer 1 with 1 embryo being frozen. The consultant highlighted risks and said given my circumstances, their advice is 1. Whilst I would have loved twins, I wanted to follow that advice as I trust them and it is nice there is 1 frozen too. We are lucky to be where we are. Now fingers crossed for the 2ww 🤞