Factors and perceptions that influence women's decisions to have a single embryo transferred

The aim of this study was to identify factors that inhibit or promote the adoption of single embryo transfer (SET). A cohort of 163 women patients receiving IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, comprising 87 women choosing SET and 63 women choosing double embryo transfer (DET), were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data were compared using logistic regression analysis. Confidence in the chance of pregnancy with SET, younger age and first treatment were predictive of a decision for SET. Preference for a healthy and singleton pregnancy was predictive but perceptions of the incidence or risk of multiple gestation were not. Factors such as a sense of time urgency and past experience of treatment were significant and predictive of diminished choice of SET. The clinic doctor was an important influencing factor. The results of this study confirm that improved pregnancy rates in SET coupled with an official clinic policy to promote SET in younger, first cycle patients influenced many women to choose SET. However, repeated treatment, advancing age and urgency to become pregnant are factors that moderate a woman's choice for SET.S de Lacey, MJ Davies, G Homan, N Briggs, RJ Norma

Top quality embryos at day 2: a prerequisite for single blastocyst transfer? An observational cohort study in women under 36

International audiencePurpose While extended culture has been considerably improved, some questions remain regarding the application of Single Blastocyst Transfer (SBT). Methods An observational cohort study was undertaken with 456 women under 36 years old and assigned to SBT on a voluntary basis. The main outcome was the cumulative delivery rate per couple according to the number of Top Quality Embryos (TQE) on day 2 (Group 1= >= 2 TQE, Group 2= 1 TQE and Group 3= 0 TQE). Results Rate of transfer and mean number of frozen blastocyts were higher in Group 1 compared to Group 3. As a consequence, the cumulative delivery rate per couple was higher in Group 1 (47.9%) compared to Group 3 (34.9%). Conclusions Single blastocyst transfer combining fresh and frozen cycles, might be a worthwhile strategy irrespective of embryo quality on day 2 providing good delivery rates while keeping the rate of multiple deliveries low