Having a child can be difficult for many couples, and success is not always guaranteed. Today, there are effective options to help build families. Many couples around the world are having babies using Single Embryo Transfer IVF (SET-IVF).
What is Single Embryo Transfer?
When IVF was first developed, physicians often transferred more than one embryo in order to raise the likelihood of pregnancy. Although this provided hope for couples, it also increased the incidence of twins or higher-order multiple pregnancies, which could result in preterm birth complications.
With Single Embryo Transfer (SET-IVF), experts now choose the healthiest embryo with the greatest possibility of success and implant only that single one in the uterus. The rest of the healthy embryos are frozen for later use. This method is particularly beneficial for couples with a good prognosis, minimizing the risk of multiple births and preventing preterm labor.
Why Single Embryo Transfer is Safer
Promotes a Healthier Pregnancy
Single Embryo Transfer (SET) helps ensure a smoother and more manageable pregnancy for both mother and baby. It allows for closer monitoring and care, supporting full-term development and optimal birth weight.
Maintains High Success Rates
Several individuals believe that transferring more embryos gives them a better chance of success. With the development of embryo selection, IVF facilities today have the capability to select an embryo that has the greatest chances of pregnancy. Methods like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), time-lapse embryo imaging, and precise lab tests ensure that SET-IVF achieves success rates comparable to multiple embryo transfers, without the added risks.
Supports Maternal Health
Multiple pregnancy puts an additional burden on the mother’s body. Complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and pre-eclampsia are more prevalent in multiple pregnancies. With Single Embryo Transfer, women are less likely to experience these complications, promoting improved maternal well-being and minimizing the necessity for early interventions such as preterm birth.
Who Can Benefit from Single Embryo Transfer?
SET-IVF is especially beneficial for:
- Women with a good prognosis: Couples with healthy eggs, sperm, and embryos are ideal candidates.
- First-time IVF patients: Transferring a single embryo reduces the risk of unnecessary complications while still offering a high chance of pregnancy.
- Women concerned about preterm birth: If preventing early delivery is a priority, SET is the safer choice.
- Couples wishing to preserve embryos for future use: Extra healthy embryos can be frozen for later pregnancies.
Even in cases where multiple embryos were historically recommended, advances in fertility assessment now make single embryo transfer a safe and effective alternative.
How the Procedure Works
The SET-IVF procedure is essentially like conventional IVF but with an extra emphasis on choosing the highest quality embryo:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The woman is treated with drugs to induce egg release.
- Egg Collection and Fertilization: Mature eggs are collected and fertilized in a laboratory using the partner’s or donor sperm.
- Embryo Evaluation: Experts observe embryo growth, commonly employing advanced methods to select the healthiest one.
- Single Embryo Transfer: A single embryo is transferred to the uterus, with other embryos being frozen for subsequent attempts if necessary.
- Pregnancy Follow-Up: Ultrasound and monitoring ensure successful implantation and check on maternal and fetal well-being.
By transferring a single embryo, physicians are able to closely monitor the pregnancy and prevent potential complications
Advantages of Single Embryo Transfer
- Lower risk of multiple pregnancies and preterm birth
- Better long-term health outcomes for the baby
- Reduced maternal complications
- Cost-effective in the long run, as multiple pregnancies often require expensive neonatal care
- Preservation of healthy embryos for future family planning
Addressing Common Concerns About SET-IVF
- Does transferring only one embryo reduce the chance of pregnancy?
Not necessarily. With modern embryo selection and monitoring techniques, single embryo transfer (SET-IVF) can offer success rates comparable to transferring multiple embryos. At 9M Fertility, a leading center for IVF treatment in Hyderabad, our expert team carefully selects the healthiest embryo, ensuring the highest chance of pregnancy while minimizing the risks of multiple gestation and associated complications after embryo transfer. - Can frozen embryos be used later?
Yes. Any extra healthy embryos can be safely frozen for future use. This approach allows couples multiple opportunities for pregnancy without undergoing repeated ovarian stimulation. At 9M Fertility, we provide advanced embryo freezing and storage as part of comprehensive IVF treatment in Hyderabad, making subsequent cycles convenient and efficient. - Is SET suitable for older women?
While age can affect IVF success rates, SET-IVF is often recommended whenever possible to prioritize maternal and fetal safety. For women with reduced fertility, our specialists at 9M Fertility design personalized IVF treatment plans in Hyderabad, balancing the likelihood of success with safety considerations.
By addressing these common concerns, couples can make informed decisions about SET-IVF, ensuring a safer and more confident journey toward parenthood with the support of 9M Fertility’s centers in Hyderabad, Pune, and Bhubaneswar.
Conclusion
Single Embryo Transfer (SET-IVF) is a remarkable advancement in fertility treatment. By transferring just one carefully selected embryo, couples can significantly reduce the risks of multiple pregnancies and preterm births, while still achieving high success rates. SET offers a safer, more controlled approach to IVF, prioritizing the health of both mother and baby.
At fertility centers like 9M Fertility, couples receive expert guidance throughout the IVF journey, from embryo selection to post-transfer care. With the right support, preparation, and medical care, SET-IVF provides hope, safety, and the possibility of welcoming a healthy, full-term baby.
For couples considering fertility preservation, Single Embryo Transfer represents a safer, smarter choice combining the promise of modern medicine with a focus on the well-being of both mother and child.
