Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) is rapidly becoming a preferred method of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) embryo transfer, due to the long and short-term risks of high-order multiple pregnancies. We are proud to offer our patients this option in their IVF treatment.
During the process of IVF, it is common that multiple embryos are created. Patients who choose eSET opt to have just one of those embryos transferred into the uterus, rather than multiple.
While it may seem counterintuitive that transferring a single embryo at a time would ultimately result in the successful birth of more healthy babies, transferring multiple embryos increases the likelihood of becoming pregnant with twins, triplets, etc. A multiple pregnancy is a riskier endeavor for both the mother and her babies. Multiple pregnancies are more likely to result in a premature delivery, which are often associated with problems including cerebral palsy, long-term lung and gastrointestinal difficulties and neonatal death.
Approximately 30% of IVF pregnancies result in a twin pregnancy, and an additional 3% in a triplet (or higher) pregnancy. With eSET this number is dramatically reduced, offering the best possible conditions for the birth of a healthy baby.