BACKGROUND Single embryo transfer (SET) after IVF/ICSI has been shown to result in an acceptable pregnancy rate in selected subjects. In our unit, SET is routinely carried out among women under the age of 36 in the first or second treatment cycle when a top-quality embryo is available. In order to define further the selection criteria for SET, we have analysed the outcome of elective SET (eSET)...

BACKGROUND IVF cycles which result in only one good quality embryo, and a second poor quality embryo present a dilemma when the decision involves transferring two embryos. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a poor quality embryo has a negative effect on a good quality embryo when transferred along with a good quality embryo. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated in vitro fertilizati...

BACKGROUND High pregnancy rates have been noted after oocyte donation (OD). Multiple pregnancies should be avoided, because oocyte recipients have an increased risk of obstetric complications. METHODS We analysed our OD results from 2000-2001 when elective single embryo transfer (eSET) was introduced as a recommended policy for all recipients if at least one good quality embryo was available....

BACKGROUND The reduction of multiple pregnancies by using elective single embryo transfers (eSET) requires critical and careful selection of the embryo for transfer. The current study was undertaken to assess whether early cleavage could be used as a marker of embryo competence in eSET procedures. METHODS The study included analysis of 178 eSET procedures. All embryos were checked for early c...

BACKGROUND Twin pregnancies after IVF are still frequent and are considered high-risk pregnancies leading to high costs. Transferring one embryo can reduce the twin pregnancy rate. We compared cost-effectiveness of one fresh cycle elective single embryo transfer (eSET) versus one fresh cycle double embryo transfer (DET) in an unselected patient population. METHODS Patients starting their firs...

BACKGROUND Embryo selection has been an integral feature of in vitro fertilization (IVF) almost since its inception. Since the advent of extended blastocyst stage embryo culture, and especially with increasing popularity of elective single embryo transfer (eSET), the concept of embryo selection has increasingly become a mainstay of routine IVF. DISCUSSION We here, however, argue that embryo s...

BACKGROUND The transfer of multiple embryos after in vitro fertilization (IVF) increases the risk of twins and higher-order births. Multiple births are associated with significant health risks and maternal and neonatal complications, as well as physical, emotional, and financial stresses that can strain families and increase the incidence of depression and anxiety disorders in parents. Elective...

Recently, there has been a marked increase in the use of Single Embryo Transfer (SET) subsequent to In Vitro Fertili-zation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), with the aim of reducing the risk of multiple gestations. However, critics have stated that by reducing the number of embryos transferred, a group of women with an a priori reduced chance of pregnancy are at particular gre...

A published review of the literature by Dutch investigators in 2004 suggested significant outcome differences between spontaneously - and in vitro fertilization (IVF) - conceived singleton and twin pregnancies. Here we review whether later studies between 2004-2015 confirmed these findings. Though methodologies of here reviewed studies varied, and all were retrospective, they overall confirmed ...

BACKGROUND In IVF-ICSI cycles with single embryo transfer (SET), embryo selection for transfer is of crucial importance. The present study aimed to define which embryo parameters might be related to the implantation potential of advanced blastocysts. METHODS Overall, in 203 cycles with SET, developmental characteristics of 93 implanted (group A) and 110 non-implanted (group B) advanced blasto...