Double Embryo Transfer - Know About It

Introduction:

Invitro fertilization (IVF) is the process by which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body. This procedure is evolved as a major treatment protocol for infertility. The colloquial term for babies conceived as the result of in vitro fertilization is test tube babies. The transfer of more than one embryo into the uterus after in vitro fertilization is considered a safe opinion and must consider the complications associated with the double embryo transfer. The implantation rate after the embryo's transfer is a critical factor.

What Is Single Embryo Transfer?

• Single embryo transfer means the transfer of only one embryo (fertilized egg with sperm by combining them in vitro) into the uterus (womb) of the woman.

• Single embryo transfer is often suggested by women and couples who want to inhibit multiple births. Even though they desire multiple children, carrying more than one baby at a time elevates the risk to the mother and developing fetus.

• There is a greater chance of premature birth of twins and decreased birth weights than in a single fetus. The risk is elevated with triplets and elevates even more as the number of fetuses increases.

• The chance of elevated risk to the mother increases with the number of fetuses in the uterus (womb). Women carrying multiple fetuses during gestation are more prone to gestational diabetes (high blood sugar levels during gestation), preeclampsia (elevated blood pressure and proteins in the urine), and other complications.

In What Cases Do Women Benefit From Single Embryo Transfer?

• Women who undergo in vitro fertilization with single embryo transfer at an age less than 35 years are more likely to benefit from this process than multiple embryo transfers.

• Women over 35 years old do not mostly benefit from single embryo transfer, which leads to implantation failure.

What Is Double Embryo Transfer?

• Double embryo transfer means the transfer of two embryos (fertilized egg with sperm by combining them in vitro ) into the uterus (womb) of the woman.

• Couples who undergo in vitro fertilization want to conceive as soon as possible and with fewer in vitro fertilization treatments as possible. Due to this reason, many patients choose to have multiple embryos transferred at a stretch.

• Even though the placement of multiple embryos can elevate the chances of a successful pregnancy, this is not true in all cases of in vitro fertilization. Not all women require multiple embryos to be transferred to conceive successfully.

In What Cases Do Women Benefit From Double Embryo Transfer?

• Double or multiple embryo transfer is not the correct option for all patients. A woman's age is the primary factor when deciding if more than one embryo should be transferred.

• Generally categorized women over 35 have a high chance of conceiving when multiple embryos are transferred instead of one. This is most likely because a woman’s egg quality decreases as she ages, and egg quality affects the embryo’s ability to implant within the uterus.

• Women below 35 generally have success rates when transferring a single embryo or multiple embryos. For this reason, younger women undergoing in vitro fertilization with multiple embryo transfers should be prepared for the chance of having twins or multiple births.

Can Older Women Have Success With Single Embryo Transfer?

• Older women can succeed with single embryo transfer, especially if they freeze their eggs before they turn 35.

• Egg quality decreases as a woman ages, generally around 35. Freezing a woman's eggs before the age of 35 and preserving them for later use maintains the quality of the eggs and can help women successfully conceive in their late thirties and into their forties without transferring multiple embryos at one stretch.

What Are the Recommendations for Embryo Transfer?

• May perform the embryo transfer on days two, three, or five post-fertilization.

• One or two fertilized eggs are placed in a culture medium. The medium catheter (a sterile tube consisting of the syringe at one end) is used to draw the liquid.

• The physician then places the catheter through the cervical region and the fluid consisting of fertilized eggs (embryos) into the uterus.

How Many Embryos Are Transferred?

• In women of age less than 35 years, one embryo is transferred.

• Two to three embryos are transferred in women of age 35 to 37 years.

• Three to four embryos are transferred in women aged 38 to 40 years.

• In women of age greater than forty years, five embryos are transferred.

• For patients with two or more failed in vitro fertilization cycles or a poor prognosis can add more embryos based on clinical judgment.

What Are the Risks That Occur With Double Embryo Transfer?

• Multiple births elevate the risk of premature birth and decreased birth weight in infants. This can interfere with the survival and well-being of the fetus. These fetuses may require special care immediately after birth and, at times, can cause life-long problems such as delay in development and development defects.

• Women who carry multiple fetuses may be more likely to need cesarean sections, which can require a longer recovery period. It can sometimes elevate the risk of bleeding during and after delivery.

• Some women who become pregnant with many babies may find one or more cannot survive till full term or even premature birth. This can lead to a medical need to perform fetal reduction.

• Women older than 35 years have an elevated risk of pregnancy complications, some of which could be life-threatening. Carrying multiple pregnancies adds to this risk.

What Are the Chances of Having at Least One Baby or Twins if They Transfer Double Embryos?

• When two embryos were transferred two to three days after retrieval, 49 percent of women had at least one baby, and 16 percent had twins.

• When two embryos were transferred five to six days after retrieval, 60 percent of women had at least one baby, and 27 percent had twins.

Conclusion:

The transfer of double embryos into the uterus after in vitro fertilization can increase the success rate and help the women to conceive. Still, there is an elevated chance of having twin babies born preterm or less than 37 weeks of gestation. There are increased complications for the women and fetus with double embryo transfer, which can be done by considering all the factors.