IVF Cycle for Second Pregrancy

Pregnancy is sort a lucky dip. We can do things to lower but not eliminate risks. I have one friend who as a single mom by choice conceived triplets and decided to do selective reduction to lower the risk of disability. I am sure that was an agonizing decision for her. Others insist on only using one embryo but then the chance for success is significantly reduced. Recently an adoption agency here in illinois placed a baby whose parents had tried a long time to conceive, used IVF and did all the prenatal testing but when the child was born, the child had heart problems and shockingly they ditched the child. I don't think any of us know what is in store for us. But we hope for the best and give it our best shot. a long chat with your fertility doc may be in order and they should be willing to use one embryo if that is what you want. If he/she is not, then I would find a doctor who is more in tune with your needs. Personally, I found my doctor, Dr. Kazar very willing to discuss my needs. He is at Northwestern. Good luck in whatever you decide.

There is a message board here that might be helpful:

http://www.ivf-infertility.com/phpBB2/

If you go to the "In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)" page you will find many threads on IVF. There is a researcher who goes by the name of "Ghost" on this thread. He answers many questions like this for us. If you put his name in the title of the thread he will respond, usually w/in a day.

Good luck!

Hi Sandra, You always have the option of deciding to only use one embryo. You wouldn't have to use two if you are uncomfortable with that. I went through IVF four times and each time I had 3 embryos transferred. Each time I got pregnant but I miscarried twice. I only carried single babies. I do know of several families that have had multiple multiples from more than one IVF. I think that carrying twins again is a definite possibility, so I would discuss your concerns with your doctor before you proceed. Good Luck, S.

I do not have multiples but can tell you that I am expecting my 2nd child which we conceived through IVF in conjunction with acupuncture using only 1 embryo--I was 38 at the time. We also did genetic testing (PGD) on our 7 embryos and this was the only one that passed and survived 5 days. We didn't get a choice on the number of embryos left to use but it did work.

Insurance coverage and costs certainly factor into whether you are willing to go this route. However, acupuncture performed before and after the transfer greatly increases the success rate...even my very data oriented reproductive endocrinologist believes in it and he is not a supporter of holistic medicine otherwise.

We did pay cash for all our services and found investing in the PGD was worth it in the end.

SG- I belong to a twins group that is a large club of over 200. I believe there are a few families with multiple sets of multiples. If you have not already done so, I would join a twins group and take advantage of their support with twins and with special needs children. If you need me to point you in a particular direction I am happy to help. Do you belong to a club?

Hi Sandra:

I would urge you not to let the doctor dictate solely how your treatment will proceed. It's up to YOU how many embryos are transferred, not him. There is a troubling tendency among IVF doctors to put patients at higher risk for multiples with higher numbers of embryos in an effort to have a success--which is to their benefit! The more successes they report, the more patients they can attract. And at centers where science takes a back seat to profits, this is even more prevalent.

I would talk to your doctor about your fears and ask why it's not possible to transfer ONE embryo, and freeze any viable additional embryos for another transfer at a later date if you desire. Yes, this will decrease your chances of becoming pregnant, but will decrease the odds of a multiple too. You'll need to weigh the risks and benefits of each and decide what's right for you personally.

Don't let the doctor bully you into doing something that you are not comfortable with. Be tough!

My husband and I went through IVF also. I was only 24 at the time so they only transferred one embryo, which split, but we lost Isaac (the twin) very early on. We're hoping the middle of next year to do a FET and our dr. has already told us that because I'm 26 they plan to only transfer one embryo. Our insurance covered the entire cost of the initial IVF but our new insurance will not be covering the FET so since we will be paying, WE decided that we will have two embryos transferred. I think the important thing to remember is it is YOUR choice. The dr's can only recommend what to do, but ultimately it is up to you and your husband. If you would prefer not to have another high risk pregnancy due to multiples than tell your dr that you will only have one embryo transferred. You have to do what's best for you and your family and sometimes what's best is not what the dr recommends. :) Good luck with your decision.