Effect of elective single embryo transfer on multiple pregnancy and overall pregnancy rates at the oxford fertility unit

Abstract

Multiple birth is the most important complication of IVF/ICSI. There is an increased risk of premature delivery and mortality. The UK Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) requires clinics to progressively reduce their multiple live birth rate to 10% by 2012 (20% by 2010; 15% by 2011), by developing their own elective single embryo transfer (eSET) policy. This paper reports the success of the Oxford Fertility Unit (OFU) in reducing multiple pregnancy (MP) rates, by changing the eSET policy, whilst maintaining overall clinical pregnancy (CP) rates.