Elective transfer of two embryos: reduction of multiple gestations while maintaining high pregnancy rates.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine if the elective transfer of two embryos reduced the incidence of multiple gestations while maintaining high pregnancy rates. METHODS: IVF patients and recipients of oocyte donation with an elective day-3 transfer of 2 or 3 embryos were studied. RESULT(S) In IVF, the elective transfer of 2 embryos resulted in similar pregnancy rate but significantly reduced the overall incidence of multiple gestations (20% versus 39%) when compared to the elective transfer of 3 embryos. Twin gestations decreased from 28% to 19%, and triplets significantly decreased from 9% to 1%. In oocyte donation, the elective transfer of 2 embryos resulted in similar pregnancy rate but also significantly reduced the overall incidence of multiple gestations (26% versus 48%), with twins decreasing from 34% to 24%, and with a significant reduction of triplets (13% versus 2%). CONCLUSIONS: In IVF and oocyte donation, the elective transfer of 2 embryos resulted in similar pregnancy rates and significantly reduced multiple gestation rates when compared to the elective transfer of 3 embryos.