ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of transferring a single top quality embryo in the first IVF/ICSI cycle of patients <38 years old who chose to have one or two embryos transferred. METHODS: A total of 262 patients participated in the study, and 243 transfers were performed: 156 (64%) patients chose the transfer of a single top quality embryo, if available, and two non-top quality embryos if not available; 87 (36%) patients chose to have a double embryo transfer regardless of embryo quality. RESULTS: In the first group an ongoing pregnancy rate of 40% (63/156) with a twin pregnancy rate of 2% (1/63) was achieved. In the second group the ongoing pregnancy rate was 44% (38/87) with 26% (10/38) twin pregnancies. In the patient group with only one embryo transferred, irrespective of the patient's choice, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 43% (54/127) with no twin pregnancies. For the study population as a whole, the ongoing pregnancy rate was 42% (101/243) with 11% (11/101) twins. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the introduction of single embryo transfer in the first IVF/ICSI cycle is highly acceptable in women <38 years old.
Subject(s)
Embryo Transfer , Embryo, Mammalian/physiology , Fertilization in Vitro , Patient Satisfaction , Adult , Embryo Implantation , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy Rate , Pregnancy, Multiple , TwinsABSTRACT
In an economic analysis one has not only to consider costs induced by hormonal substitution therapy (HRT) but also its impact health. Different therapy costs will be considered and related to potential benefits on health. HRT decreases the incidence of symptoms of the menopause, the risk of osteoporosis and perhaps the incidence of coronary hearth disease and the risk of Alzheimer disease but probably increases the incidence of breast cancer. For a majority of women, the favorable impact seems to dominate, increasing their life expectancy.