Single Embryo Transfer: Double Remedy for Complications After Assisted Reproduction

Abstract

Thanks to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), the majority of subfertile couples are no longer set aside from one of the deepest desires mankind has in life. However, since the early days of ART - application, two major disadvantages derived. First, the transfer of multiple embryos in order to obtain acceptable pregnancy rates brought about an epidemic of multiple pregnancies. Second, in studies comparing pregnancy outcomes between naturally conceived children and children after ART, higher incidences of preterm birth and low birth weight were assessed in the ART- group. Single embryo transfer (SET) in IVF/ICSI proved the only answer to the epidemic of multiple pregnancies. Moreover, studies assessing outcomes of singletons after SET are promising and indicate that a wider application of SET may positively affect pregnancy outcome after ART as well.