Transfer 1 or 2?

[Blossomofhope]

Hi all,

I wanted to get your thoughts & experiences on whether to transfer 1 or 2.
I know from a medical perspective they’ll advise 1 as it reduces the risk of a multiple pregnancy.

However, it’s been over 2 years ttc for us with four unsuccessful IUI cycles. This is our first IVF cycle (ICSI) - we have four fertilised eggs and waiting to hear how many make it to the blasto stage on Friday. We are due to transfer this weekend all going well. Naturally I’m so fearful of this failing I’d rather transfer 2 but I understand there’s risks associated. The doc seems to be pushing us towards 1.

Please share any thoughts & experiences.

I transferred 2 top grade embryos on my third cycle, that transfer failed. I said to myself I wouldn’t do it again, mainly because I felt I lost 2 chances in 1 go. Each cycle was different and you will be told it’s trial and error. I was afraid my body wouldn’t be ready for another transfer therefore, no matter how many I put in they wouldn’t work. I’d rather have the extra chance. That’s just my view on it, good luck either way.

Thank you @SH998 .. that’s a really interesting perspective. Maybe you’re right and one is the way to go.

@Blossomofhope how old are you? It's extremely unlikely any clinic would transfer more than one embryo unless you are over 42. The chance of success of two embryos transferred in separate cycles is higher than a double transfer. As someone who started IVF in 2020 and it's taken until now to work, I'd advise you to try and not put too much emphasis on this cycle having to work. Untested embryo transfers work in 1 in 3 cases, it is much better for your mental health to consider it taking at least three transfers than to put so much pressure on this one.

I second the other posters. I don't understand the logic of transferring two. If the conditions aren't right in your body that cycle, you've lost two embryos.

Good luck OP ❤️

@Blossomofhope maybe as it’s your first try use the 1, things don’t always go to plan first time and it would be such a shame to lose 2. I was lucky enough to have 3 frozen when we put 2 back in, any less I don’t think I would have used 2 in 1 go. The stims and collections are harsh on the body. I do feel your sense of urgency, I was exactly the same wanting to jump straight in to another, it made sense at the time to use 2 but now with a clear head thinking back I think I would have done it differently.
Only you know what’s best for you, go with what makes you happy as you don’t want any regrets.

@Blossomofhope also, I was 38 on my first transfer, they asked on all 4 transfers how many I wanted to put in, due to my age they were happy with 2.

@Gardenlady543 I’m turning 35 in November. My clinic allow it but recommend transferring one. I understand what you’re saying re expectations. I think just after all the iui cycles already, I’ll be pretty heartbroken if this cycle doesn’t work - though I know there’s a fair chance of it going either way.

@SH998 ya you’re right. I definitely do feel a sense of urgency as we know we’d like to have multiple children. But you’re right it would be awful to lose two. Going ahead with one sounds sensible. I hope so much we even have a few available when we get the update on Friday.

@Blossomofhope fingers crossed you get some good news, I wanted multiple children as well but time isn’t on my side. I’m now 15 weeks pregnant and happy knowing this will be my only child. Wishing you all the best, I’m sure you will get the outcome you need.

@Blossomofhope the thing is, it has more chance of not working than working. I had transfers where I felt this absolutely must work this time and when it didn't it was a long way to fall.

@SH998 oh massive congrats. Wishing you all the best. Thank you!!

@Gardenlady543 i understand but it’s going to be disappointing either way if it doesn’t work so I’d rather be hopeful!

@Blossomofhope I would highly recommend just transferring one on your first go also. My clinic strongly recommended only transferring one at a time. I totally understand the urgency and frustration after so many failed IUIs but you still have a good chance of it working as IVF has bypassed more potential points of failure that could have been the reason your IUIs failed. I also echo what previous posters have said about not "wasting" two embryos if conditions aren't right.

Everyone is different but transferring one at a time helped me mentally too as it gave me more "chances". So if one didn't work I still had more. If a round failed, I would have found losing two very hard.

However, we are looking at transferring two in our next round in November - our first double transfer. We have been through 6 transfers. One resulted in DD, two were cancelled, 1 failed and 2 ended in miscarriage and we had another miscarriage after a spontaneous pregnancy in between. We have two embryos left, our last two and the lowest grade. So based on grading and our history they have agreed to transfer two. If it does work, I will be prepared for twins but secretly hoping for a singleton.

@hja62 I’m so sorry you’ve been through so many transfers and losses. Best of luck for your next transfer.

Thank you for your advice and you’ve made some good points. I think my decision is made and I’ll go with one and keep everything crossed!! 🤞🏻