Transfer 1 or 2 blastocysts?

tvh1982 · February 2016

Hi!

I just start right in the middle of my story:

So I'm in a full on discussion with my clinic in Denmark as they do not want to put back two blastocyst as it will increase risk of twins due to my age.
They said next time they will, which made me question them what the difference is.
Now they are changing stories that they will do it with a fresh cycle and 2-3day old eggs, not blastocyst. Even though in first email it says that they'll place back two blastocyst next time.
My other clinic here in Norway which whom I have check ups told me, they would place back two. When I mentioned even with blastocysts they answered yes. You have been trying with not succeeding so yes.

Its so frustrating that I'm not allowed to do treatment in Norway and that Denmark isn't agreeing.
I understand it involves risk for all 3 of us if it happens to be twins. But I also know it increase success rate.
This is so frustrating.

My instinct says to keep pushing, as I feel it's the right thing.
But what if I should listen to them and only place back one.

These days I wish I had a DH, so he could decide!

mskeenan · February 2016

Hi there! Ah that is SO incredibly confusing. I would have a hard time getting mixed messages/recommendations from the clinics. When they say they won't transfer 2 does that mean they won't do it even if its what you want? Or will they respect your wishes if you would like 2? I know this is such a hard decision. I've heard of docs refusing to do more than one that's why I ask.

I am debating the same myself. Though this will be my first transfer. My doc has recommended 1 but my husband and I have decided (at least I think we have) on 2. My gut is telling me two. I know some people may think I'm crazy for it because with 2 comes many risks. My doc said he would do 2 if that's what I really wanted.

What surprised me were the stats on success rate of single versus two embryo transfers. My RE estimated at 50% success rate with 1 embryo, 65% success rate with 2. For some reason, I expected transferring two to increase odds more. Still though, my heart tells me two. I say follow your gut.... GOOD LUCK! I hope this is the time for you. Sending good vibes your way!!!

caitiemae · February 2016

It seems like the 1 vs 2 views vary greatly by clinic for sure. I was 27- first IVF, doing it for male infertility, no known issues for me- and my doctor barely mentioned the idea of only putting in one embryo. I was surprise when I started reading the boards at how many people did just one blast at a time. And my doctor's views definitely are reflected my the clinic's statistics- 40% of pregnancies are with twins. But for my husband and I, this was great- we were paying out of pocket and I was planning on staying at home with kids so two babies was just seen to us as double the blessing. And fraternal twins run in my family so it's very possible that if I was getting pregnant the old fashioned way, I very well could've ended up with twins anyways. I'm very pleased that we did put two in the end, as only 1 blast stuck.

If you're comfortable with the idea of having two little poopers at once, I say don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. And I'm sure living in a Scandinavian country, I'm sure the cost of 2x the childcare is less of a concern than here in the US

Yes, twin pregnancies come with more risks, but this day in age, the risks are still fairly small. If your gut says try two, then fight for it. Any chance they post clinic statics over there? Having numbers to back up your views is always good to have. Best of luck in dealing with your doctors! Whatever happens, hopefully you'll get your BFP!

Gr8te · February 2016

From SAIF and Child mentioned.

I had the same dilemma a couple weeks ago. Three years ago we transferred our two best blasts and was blessed with my son. I was much more open to twins before I had a child because I didn't know any better. I think if we would have ended up with twins after the first transfer we would have been fine because we never would have known any different.

Fast forward 3 years...I was set on transferring two because last time my RE recommended two and we ended up with one kiddo but this time he said really think about it you have a child now. It made me remember being pregnant, the sleep deprivation and the financial stress we avoided by only having one healthy baby.

So this time we decided to transfer one lower grade blast. I'd be lying if I said I didn't doubt our decision before and after transfer but we decided transferring again would be safer, less expensive and more enjoyable for us than having twins. Today I just got my second beta back and it's 977. I think you can rationalize one or two so you have to follow your instincts. GL

tvh1982 · February 2016

Hi ladies, thank you for your replies.
It helps with an extra (few) pair of eyes and experiences

I had a look at the statistics of my clinic in Denmark...no mention of twin pregnancies and I would have a success rate between 38% and 43%

The doctor that said, 'I would place back two' is working with/for Biotechnology Council's health authorities organ to determine how assisted reproduction shall be designed in Norway. So that's why I trust his answer.

I have been tossing and turning the whole night, about what is the smartest decision.
I'm not rooting for twins, as I am single and live in a tiny ass apartment, but I am not going to be devastated either should there be two. I just want a healthy little child that, with my luck, will look nothing like me and just like his/hers donor

GL in march @mskeenan!

Yay for happy ending stories @caitiemae and @Gr8te, love reading when others have succeeded. You girls give me hope that it can happen.

tvh1982 · February 2016

Just had a reply back and they refuse, and I have nothing to say in the matter.
They keep mentioning next time they will, which confuses me, as what will be the difference? (besides me having to pay again for next time!)

Thank you for letting me vent on here!

Minnie1155 · February 2016

@tvh1982 that sounds confusing, this whole process is really confusing without mixed messages. Sorry you are dealing with that. My clinic would transfer one blastocyst based on my age being under 35 and this being our first time with IVF. My understanding from the paperwork is that if the first time isn't successful then we could have the option of transferring two the second time. We only wanted to transfer one this time so we didn't ask about the option of doing more. It sounds like our clinics might have similar theories with that though. Wishing you the best.

tvh1982 · February 2016

@Minnie1155 it is indeed so confusing when dealing with two clinics.
As I have no say, I just can't do anything but accept it, even though it feels wrong.
Lets hope my next snowflake will stay with me and become a healthy baby!

khochanadel · February 2016

*pregnancy mentioned*

Our doctor recommended we only do one for our first transfer, but said he would honor our wishes if we wanted more than one. We did not as we did not want to sign up for a riskier pregnancy or two infants at once, but we did one embryo that ended up splitting and we are expecting identical twins.

I can't imagine if we'd done two!

tvh1982 · February 2016

hahah, oops..yeah that might have become 3 or 4 @khochanadel. Good thing you did what felt right!

I have kinda made my piece with it, and hope that the odds are in my favour this time.

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