Evaluation of Fertility Success Rate with Simultaneous Transfer of Embryos with Different Qualities in IVF/ICSI Candidates

Abstract

Background: One of the most important factors in the success of assisted reproductive techniques is the quality of the embryo generated in the laboratory. Whether to transfer only one high-quality embryo or a combination of high- and low-quality embryos is a dilemma. Objectives: The present study reviewed the embryo transfer records of IVF/intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients in Dezful Infertility Center, Iran, to evaluate the impact of the simultaneous transfer of a low-quality embryo on the growth and implantation of a high-quality embryo and live birth. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the files and records of 802 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI at Dezful Infertility Treatment Center from 2013 to September 2020. The patients were classified into group 1: Patients with the transfer of only one grade A (equal blastomeres without fragmentation) embryo, group 2: Patients with the transfer of two grade A and B (equal blastomeres with slight fragmentation) embryos, group 3: Patients with the transfer of two grade A and C (unequal blastomeres with or without fragmentation) embryos, and group 4: Patients with the transfer of two grade C and B embryos. Results: The mean age of women and men was 32.52 ± 5.10 and 37.59 ± 6.60 years, respectively. Age, duration of infertility, cause of infertility, endometrial diameter, estradiol level, oocyte number, and embryo number had no significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05). Also, the findings indicated no significant differences between the groups in terms of implantation rate, live birth rate, fertility rate, multiple pregnancies rate, and chemical and clinical abortions (P > 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that the simultaneous transfer of embryos with different qualities does not affect the success rate and fertility outcomes in IVF/ICSI candidates.