The LA Times article mentioned in the previous post shows the non-signficant difference in success rates between single- and double embryo transfers in a study from Sweden. Most impressive is the reduction in potentially complicated multiple pregnancies by transferring one embryo which should be an incentive for appropriate couples to select this option.
But in most of the U. S., couples are faced with more than the disappointment of a small increment in the chance of a failed cycle. In most European countries, IVF is covered by the national health service so an additional cycle is less of a financial burden. In non-mandated states in the U.S, the couple is also faced with the cost of another fresh or frozen embryo cycle.
Our success rates in good prognosis patients who would be candidates to consider an eSET, our success rates are better than reported in the Swedish study and the difference in live birth rate between the two groups should be small.
In order to encourage couples to choose the single embryo option we are studying financial incentives to reduce the impact of a possible failed cycle which may not have occurred if two embryos had been transferred.
We would like to hear what financial incentive would help you choose a single embryo transfer if the difference in success rate was not statistically significant. You can post your responses to this blog.
I love RPMG and am thankful for 2 pregnancies (1 singleton, 2 twins) so I'm a little biased. The 1st IVF cycle, we transferred 4 embryos; the second, we transferred 2 embryos that both stuck.
If the the RPMG doctor recommended only 1 embryo for transfer, I would have been wary, but would have considered following the doctor'a recommentation…I think.
A financial incentive would have made the decision a little easier. I think a reasonable financial incentive might be the cost of RPMG's services to perform another retrieval/transfer and the cost of storing any liable embryos for later transfer.
Well, hope this helps. And, of course, thank you RPMG.
Thanks for your ideas.
To provide another cycle, retrieval, tranfer and storage as “encoragement” for agreeing to an eSET would be like guaranteeing the whole cycle and would be more than we could be able to provide. But I think you are on the right track.
Arthur L. Wisot, M. D.
Reproductive Partners Medical Group, Inc.
Redondo Beach, California