Choosing One or Two Embryos: What the Numbers Say

The research examines the outcomes of transferring one versus two embryos during fresh IVF cycles when embryos are at the cleavage stage. Researchers employed propensity score matching to create comparable groups based on age, health status, and other factors.

Study Design

• Data Source: Large cohort of patients undergoing fresh embryo transfers.
• Matching Process: Individuals in the single‑embryo group were matched with those in the double‑embryo group to ensure similarity across key variables.
• Primary Outcome: Live birth rate per transfer.

Key Findings

• Transferring two embryos modestly increases live birth probability but significantly raises the chance of multiple pregnancies.
• Risks such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy did not differ markedly between groups.

Clinical Implications

• Trade‑off: Higher success with two embryos versus higher risk of multiples.
• Strategy Recommendation: Some patients may benefit from starting with one embryo and adding another if needed, balancing personal pregnancy goals against potential health risks.

Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of individualized decision‑making in IVF, weighing the benefits of higher success rates against the increased likelihood of twins or triplets.