Need Feedback: deciding between transferring 1 or 2 embryos

Aashly101 · September 2015

Hello! I'm 42 and DH is 32. I have 2 boys from a previous relationship. We have unexplained infertility. DH and I are on our 3rd IVF cycle. We opted for PGS this time and were just told the results late last week that we have 2 good embryos.

We are torn between transferring both embryos or just one and freezing the other one as backup. We've both decided that this would be our last cycle as it is so emotional draining as well as financially draining.

How did you ladies and your DH make your decisions on how many to transfer? I know we all have different reasons and factors but DH and I have been struggling with this for the last 3 days. Any additional insight/thoughts/views would be greatly appreciated.

HBamama2B · September 2015

If it's your last cycle of any kind, you don't need a back up, so IMO transfer both blasts. Given your age and history I would think your RE will suggest that too even with the PGS. Have you checked the SART numbers for your age range and dx at your clinic? That's how my DH and I started deciding on 1 or 2. It's definitely a complex question, especially for your last cycle! If you are doing a frozen transfer cycle after, I could see wanting to save one. I guess it depends on if it's your last ER or last assisted cycle of any kind.

And I know it's hard, but have you considered egg donation? The success rates are very high in your age range. May be a possibility if this doesn't work and you can't emotionally go through the ER process again but decide you definitely do want more children? Idk... Unfortunately, it's still expensive. So sorry to hear about your long journey and I hope this cycle is your miracle no matter what you choose!!! GL!

gkamerman78 · September 2015

@Aashly101 Since I had struggled with this as well and said this last cycle would be my last I decided to do 2 embryos. I decided this because there has been some research that I had read that it increases the chance of at least 1 of them implanting. But that is sketchy at best in my opinion. With that said I found out Thursday that at least 1 stuck my hcg levels suggest that I may have twins. Kep it mind that carrying multiples has its own risks but when you implant 2 you accept those risks. It may not happen but it's a chance your taking. I do not regret transferring 2 embryos I will say no matter what your decision don't second guess yourself when it's done! No matter what your decision is it was a good one and the best one for you!

Aashly101 · September 2015

@HBamama2B - Yes, we have seen the SART for our clinic. 30-40% success rate for FET with a 1.8 transfer. Sometimes I wish our Re WOULD suggest one or the other so that we didn't have to make the choice ourselves but that's probably more of an easy way out. They're leaving that choice entirely up to us. We're strongly leaning towards transferring both since it is our last cycle but reading up on the risks of multiple pregnancies for twins has really scared me. There is also other factors too that worries me: financial, physical and emotional things to consider. And yes DH and I have considered donor egg as well as adoption but we can't seem to agree on either so we decided that this would be our final cycle and are praying for a successful one!

@gkamerman78 - We're leaning strongly towards transferring both as this is our final cycle but reading up on the risks of twin pregnancies before, during and after as well as the risks of having twins is just so overwhelming and scary. But you're right, we shouldn't second guess ourselves because there will always be what ifs to drive us crazy.

Thank you so much ladies for your inputs. It's already helping to calm down some of my rampant nerves. I pray whatever choice we make, we do it with a clear conscious with no regrets and/or second guessing.

Aashly101 · September 2015

@HBamama2B - sorry for the exclamation at the end there. I didn't realize how much it sounded like I was yelling. Lol I didn't mean for it to sound that way.

HBamama2B · September 2015

Lol, this is a time to be excited! I'll be praying for your cycle to be the miracle one!! There are definitely risks to multiples so your concerns are all valid! GL and keep us updated. Have my FX for you.

riveridgional · September 2015

Has your doctor advised you at all on the "quality" of the embryos? Maybe that could help you decide. Did he give you his recommendation based on his history with you? Good luck in making this difficult decision!

Aashly101 · September 2015

Thanks ladies! I'm so glad I decided to come here.

@riveridgional - Yes she did. They are grade 2 embryos but my overall success rate is only 30-40%. Percentage for twin or multiple babies for my age bracket for their clinic has been 0. Quite honestly she didn't have a recommendation as she said this was a personal choice. She did however give me more general advice on best case vs worst case scenario.

DH and I have decided to transfer both embryos. Please send prayers and baby dusts our way everyone.

riveridgional · September 2015

@Aashly101 Based on your clinic's percentages and this being your last cycle, you made the decision I think I would have made. Best of luck to you! Do you have a transfer date set yet?

Aashly101 · September 2015

@riveridgional - thank you! As one of the other ladies above said, we've chosen and won't second guess it anymore. Otherwise we will just go crazy thinking about it. And yes, we have a tentative date set for FET: Nov. 18th. I wish it was sooner but I understand the need to not rush this either. We are really praying for good results this time round. Baby dust to all of us!

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