Single embryo transfer

Single embryo transfer (SET) is a fertility treatment technique in which only one embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus during in vitro fertilization (IVF). The goal of SET is to reduce the likelihood of multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, while still maintaining a high chance of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Multiple pregnancies, particularly higher-order multiples, can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the babies. These complications can include premature birth, low birth weight, and other health problems. SET is one way to reduce these risks while still achieving a successful pregnancy.

SET may not be suitable for all patients, as the success of SET depends on a variety of factors, including the age and fertility status of the woman, the quality of the embryos, and the number of embryos available for transfer. Women who are younger and have a higher number of good-quality embryos may have a higher chance of success with SET.

In some cases, patients may choose to have additional embryos frozen for future use in case the initial transfer is not successful or if they wish to have additional children in the future.

Couples or individuals considering SET should speak with their fertility specialist to determine if this is an appropriate option for their individual situation. The decision to use SET or multiple embryo transfer is a complex one that requires careful consideration of many factors, and should be made in consultation with a qualified fertility specialist.