Single v's double FET tomorrow...

[PaulaDag]

Hi All,

I've been finding it really difficult to make a decision whether to do a single or double frozen transfer tomorrow. Our history is that I've had 5 egg collections and 5 transfers so far (2x fresh, one of which was a double, 1x natural FET and 2x medicated FET's, the last one of which was a chemical with a medicated cycle (I tested early whereas I hadn't with the other 4 which were BFNs).

I am 44 (July gone) but the embryos are 42 and 43 yrs old. I have one 5Aa and 4Ba which are the two that the clinic laboratory are recommending transferring together if I go for two. The consultant recommends singles all the time so I get differing opinions from the same clinic which doesn't help! In total we have 8 left in the freezing, the above two, and 6 lesser quality embryos.

Last time at the very start when I did a fresh double they were both 5aa's and neither worked. Since then I've had an ERA and NK cells testing so am receptive and taking prednisolone.

I just wanted to find out what you all think? I am so undecided. My partner wanted a double but now seems to be chickening out due to twin pregnancy risk but I am not overly concerned about a twin pregnancy risk as I'm sure it's unlikely given my age and history, but I do worry that a bad embryo might stop a good embryo implanting or that if they both took and the bad one miscarried that it could take the other with it. Is this true or not evidence? I hate to risk a good embryo as they are untested.

My immunology clinic, Dr Shehata in Epsom are of differing opinions as well, Dr Shehata says double whereas his midwife said single. My fertility clinic lab said given my history the chance of twin at my embryos age is less than 5%.

Any thoughts or help appreciated. xx

[Nenad]

Hi Paula, I can see why you’re on the fence with this one. I would say there’s no right or wrong answer, go with your gut. It’s true that the twin pregnancy risk is super low so that shouldn’t be a factor in your decision making. If both haven’t been tested then there’s no harm in doing a double transfer. But again just go with your gut. Best of luck xx

[Imperfect89]

hi, I asked the same question last week & had lots of responses if you’d like to look at my post.

I also found out about a campaign to decrease twin pregnancy that clinics are on board with and so they have to aim to keep their rates under 10% that’s why they discourage doubles. I was given extreme fear tactics to stop me doing it by my doctor but when I found this campaign I realised they were just fear tactics.

Everyone has a chance of twins. Twin pregnancy is the only risk with 2.

A bad one knocking out a good one is being researched but the doctor told me that this has not yet been proven.

i wish you all the luck and love in the world on your journey xxxx

[Twiglet2]

If they haven’t been PGA tested and with 8 in the freezer I would likely be going for a double in your situation (it slightly increases the odds of that transfer working from the research I found) although transferring them all single might increase the odds overall it could take a long time to get through them and they might not be embryos that were ever going to make it anyway so this just speeds things up is my theory. Good luck with transfer whichever you choose is the right answer for you 🤗 xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi PaulaDag. By now, I am sure you will have decided what to do. My feelings are that your clinic is trying to give you a chance of a pregnancy, ot aiming for twins. OK so you could have twins, but even a single embryo can split and become twins. Should you have two separate embryos, and one miscarries, it is likely just to miscarry on its own or die in the womb. It is when they are joined by one placenta that one could impact on the other, should it miscarry. Your clinic will look after you I'm sure, so good luck with whatever decision you make. Diane

[Sweatsour]

Hi PaulaDag,

It is your choice but from my experience I would transfer one embrio at the time if you can.

I have my miracle baby from IVF treatment and I did double transfer. 2 heart beats at 6 weeks and only one at week 8, which continued strongly and become my daughter.

Some time ago I proceed with another IVF and I transferred one embro. This embrio has spilled in two (1% chance). When you think about it, it is not so rare...1 in 100 so your 5% is even higher).unfortunately at week 12 it bacome transparent that one twin is not developing promptly but the other one seemed fine. I had to make a horrific decision to terminate pregnancy. What I am trying to say is that when you transfer 2 embrios, you may end up with one baby but you can also have triplets which is very risky.

Wishing you best of luck

[Chel91]

I would definitely do a double since you have so many. I'll be doing a double next time too! Best of luck for transfer xx

[yogigirl]

On my experience I would definitely do a double, best of luck