Impact of patients' choice for single embryo transfer of a top quality embryo versus double embryo transfer in the first IVF/ICSI cycle.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of transferring a single top quality embryo in the first IVF/ICSI cycle of patients <38 years old who chose to have one or two embryos transferred.


METHODS
A total of 262 patients participated in the study, and 243 transfers were performed: 156 (64%) patients chose the transfer of a single top quality embryo, if available, and two non-top quality embryos if not available; 87 (36%) patients chose to have a double embryo transfer regardless of embryo quality.


RESULTS
In the first group an ongoing pregnancy rate of 40% (63/156) with a twin pregnancy rate of 2% (1/63) was achieved. In the second group the ongoing pregnancy rate was 44% (38/87) with 26% (10/38) twin pregnancies. In the patient group with only one embryo transferred, irrespective of the patient's choice, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 43% (54/127) with no twin pregnancies. For the study population as a whole, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 42% (101/243) with 11% (11/101) twins.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the introduction of single embryo transfer in the first IVF/ICSI cycle is highly acceptable in women <38 years old.
D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D014427:Twins