How Many Embryos Are Transferred During Ivf?

By Author: Dr Shivani Sachdev Gour
Total Articles: 201
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One of the most common questions couples ask during fertility treatment is, “How many embryos are transferred during IVF?” The answer depends on medical guidelines, the patient’s age, embryo quality, and individual health factors. Today, fertility specialists aim to achieve a healthy singleton pregnancy while minimising risks.

What Is Embryo Transfer in IVF?
Embryo transfer is the final step of the IVF process, where one or more embryos are placed into the uterus. This is a painless, outpatient procedure that takes only a few minutes and does not require anaesthesia.

The goal is to maximise pregnancy success while reducing complications.

How Many Embryos Are Usually Transferred?
In most modern IVF treatments, one embryo is commonly transferred. This approach is known as Single Embryo Transfer (SET) and is widely recommended when good-quality embryos are available.

However, in some cases, two embryos may be transferred based on medical assessment.

Factors That Decide the Number of Embryos Transferred

1. Age of the Woman
• Under 35 years: Usually 1 embryo
• 35–40 ...
... years: 1–2 embryos may be considered
• Above 40 years: 2 embryos may be recommended depending on embryo quality

2. Embryo Quality
High-quality blastocyst embryos have a higher chance of implantation, making single embryo transfer safer and effective.

3. Previous IVF Attempts
If previous IVF cycles were unsuccessful, doctors may recommend transferring more than one embryo to improve chances.

4. Medical Guidelines & Safety
Fertility specialists at a trusted IVF hospital in Delhi follow strict guidelines to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, which can lead to complications.

Why Single Embryo Transfer Is Often Preferred
Transferring multiple embryos increases the chance of twins or triplets, which may raise risks such as:
• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Pregnancy complications for the mother

With advances in embryo selection and lab technology, single embryo transfer offers high success with improved safety.

What Happens to Extra Embryos?
Healthy unused embryos can be frozen (cryopreserved) for future use. Frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles are safe and often as successful as fresh transfers.

Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many embryos is transferred during IVF. The decision is personalised, based on age, embryo quality, and medical history. Consulting an experienced fertility specialist at SCI IVF Hospital in Delhi ensures a safe, ethical, and well-guided IVF journey.
https://www.drshivanisachdevgour.com/best-ivf-hospital-in-delhi-ncr/

Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour, Founder & Director of SCI Healthcare, SCI IVF is a state of the art fertility centre located in Kailash Colony, New Delhi.