How many to transfer?

The possibility of conceiving multiple fetuses increases when drugs are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce more than one egg in a menstrual cycle. The possibility is also greater if more than one embryo is transferred as part of IVF.

In the past decade the multiple birth rate in Australia has increased from 1:100 to 1:73 births and this increase has been attributed to fertility treatment. The occurrence of a multiple birth after IVF treatment is 20% and 10-20% with the use of fertility drugs in treatment such as ovulation induction.

The Fertility Society of Australia has set guidelines that require fertility clinics to transfer a maximum of two embryos as part of IVF treatment. All patients under 35 years of age having these procedures are encouraged to seriously consider the transfer of just one embryo to minimise the chance of a multiple pregnancy.

Many women undergoing IVF treatment want to have more than one embryo transferred to boost their chance of a pregnancy, however they may not be aware of the risks associated with multiple births. Complications include an increased chance of miscarriage, a more diffi cult pregnancy, premature birth and a higher rate of infant mortality. Babies who are born prematurely (<32 weeks) are more likely to have long term respiratory, neurological and optical health problems. There is also a higher incidence of depression amongst mothers and relationship breakdown following multiple births.

At QFG patients under the age of 35 in their fi rst IVF cycle are encouraged to have only one embryo transferred. Embryo transfer decisions are made between the doctor and patient and the risks are always discussed.