In vitro fertilization is one of the most common fertility treatments that individuals and couples turn to when they are trying to start their family. However, because it is still a new procedure, less than 50 years old, there are still some unpredictable results that come with it.
In Vitro Fertilization Results in Fewer Multiple Births
Many patients’ procedures over the years have resulted in multiple births. Most of the time, this results from when patients choose to implant more than one embryo into the uterus. This double implantation is said to increase the possibility of a live birth. However, with the implantation of multiple embryos comes the risk of conceiving twins or triplets. Even patients who implant only one embryo sometimes see their embryo divide through in vitro fertilization and turn into twins.
Patients who undergo IVF procedures and see their pregnancy result in multiple fetuses may be at risk for pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia and hypertension. This is the reason why many people are hesitant about having multiple births through IVF.
Fortunately, though, studies have shown that assisted reproduction procedures now result in more single births and less multiple births. In 2014, there were 65,175 live births resulting from in vitro fertilization. This number went up by almost two thousand since 2013. With this number of increased births, there has been a decline of multiple births from IVF procedures. 78% of IVF births in 2014 were single babies.
Why are there fewer multiple births from in vitro fertilization procedures?
Many things contribute to these changing numbers. For one, more patients are choosing single embryo transfers. Also, the assisted reproduction industry itself is constantly growing. Older women and gay and lesbian couples are seeking fertility treatments. And, while many women find success by treating their own eggs, many other patients find success by receiving fresh and frozen eggs from a donor.
Here at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas, we want to help you figure out the best option for your in vitro fertilization procedure. We test the quality of embryos and will work with you to discuss the pros and cons of single and double embryo transfer. Although there is a risk of multiple births, we are here to help every step of the way. Some of our patients, after exhausting all efforts to conceive, are even ecstatic to hear about their twins or triplets. For more information, call us at (702) 254- 1777 and we can schedule your consultation to see which fertility treatment is right for you and your family.
