Embryo Transfer: How many embryos are considered enough by IVF clinics in Delhi?

Jun 14
08:21

2017

Manika Khanna

Manika Khanna

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Infertility is a widespread problem today, with thousands of couple across the globe combating serious issues. Over the years, medical science has been devising various techniques to resolve these issues. One of the most widely used amongst these is IVF or In Vitro Fertilization. Though this advanced Assisted Reproductive Techniques has helped countless couples, yet there are some baffling questions that still confuse specialists as well as patients.

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One of the questions that are frequently asked from IVF clinic in Delhi is about the number of embryos to be transferred. The answer is a tough one as it translates into a choice between risk of multiple pregnancies and that of IVF failure. The decision has to be a thoughtful one,Embryo Transfer: How many embryos are considered enough by IVF clinics in Delhi? Articles to be taken by the patient under the expert guidance of an experienced infertility specialist.

What number of embryos is considered feasible for transfer by IVF clinics in Delhi?

A typical IVF treatment cycle involves production of multiple embryos by culturing them in the laboratory. An embryos culture yields a number of healthy embryos. Now the big question is whether all of these are to be transferred in the woman’s uterus. The infertility clinics in Delhi would go against this as this could result in multiple pregnancies. Such pregnancies are associated with risks such as fetal birth defects and premature labor.

At the same time, the couple cannot just opt for transfer of a single embryo. The reason is that IVF success rate is not very encouraging. Even if the embryo is healthy, the success rate of a cycle is only 40%. Therefore, almost every IVF Centre in Delhi considers it feasible to transfer more than one embryo to improve the chances of implantation.

The decision between transfer of single and multiple embryos thus becomes a tricky one. When patients expect to conceive with IVF, they would want to do everything that improves their chances. Getting pregnant with twins seems like a small price to pay to put an end to the sorrow of infertility. Most clinics, therefore, recommend transfer of two embryos per cycle as an optimal figure. In fact, some countries have made this mandatory by law and transferring a greater number is illegal.

How do infertility clinics in Delhi decide the right number for embryo transfer?

An infertility specialist is the best person to help a couple take a decision regarding the number of embryos to be transferred during a cycle. There are several things that are to be taken into account. Some of these are listed below:

  • Maternal age
  • Embryo quality
  • Stage of embryo transfer, whether cleavage stage or blastocyst stage
  • Fertility history of the patient
  • Number of previously failed IVF attempts
  • Endometrial receptivity levels
  • Use of donor eggs
  • Personal preference of the patient

Even though these parameters are to be considered, there is no standard to decide the feasible number of embryos during an IVF treatment cycle. A younger woman, still in her twenties, would be prescribed transfer of two day-3 embryos in her initial cycle. The number would go up to three for older women, between 30-38 years. Some IVF clinics in Delhi would even go up to four embryos for women in their forties. The reason is that the chances of multiple pregnancies decline for older women.

On the other hand, the required number goes down when blastocyst stage embryos are used for transfer. Those opting for healthy donor embryos can again safely opt for transfer of fewer embryos, even if the woman is older. A tailor-made approach has to be adopted while deciding the number of embryos to be transferred during an IVF cycle. It all depends upon the individual circumstances and personal decision of the patient. Yet, it is wise to avail the advice of an experienced infertility specialist to help the couple take the right decision.