Need IVF but don't want twins?

Women undergoing invitro fertilization for infertility almost always go into the treatment with multiple viable embryos being available for implantation. A large percentage of couples decides to implant multiple embryos during a single round of IVF. This increases the chances that at least one embryo will implant successfully. It also boosts the odds of twin and multiple pregnancies. But, what if you need IVF but don't want twins?

Any couple trying to get pregnant in any way, whether naturally, with intrauterine insemination (IUI), IVF, or otherwise, has the chance that they will get pregnant with twins. However, many couples are aware that twin pregnancies carry higher risks, and may doubt that they will be able to be the best parents to twins. With IVF, patients do have the option of implanting only one embryo during one round of treatment.

This process, which may be in the minority in many fertility clinics, is known as single-embryo IVF. Single-embryo IVF does not exclude the possibility of a twin pregnancy, but it does reduce the chances that you will be expecting twins after a round of IVF. Fertility clinics often care very much about their success rates. Because multiple-embryo IVF does increase the success rates, not every clinic is very open to patients undergoing single-embryo IVF.

At the same time, implanting multiple embryos reduces the likelihood of left-over embryos. If you are determined to implant one embryo per round of IVF to reduce the odds of having twins or higher multiples, it is best to find a fertility clinic with a high rate of single-embryo IVF transfers. This may increase your chances of getting pregnant, and will ensure that doctors at the clinic do not pressure you to have multiple embryos implanted.