Elective Single Embryo Transfer (SET): Benefits, Procedure, and Success Rates

What is Elective Single Embryo Transfer?

Elective Single Embryo Transfer (SET) refers to transferring only one healthy embryo during an IVF cycle. SET focuses on quality over quantity, making sure that the healthiest, most viable embryo is selected.

Clinics recommend single embryo transfer IVF because it significantly reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies. A common complication is when two or more embryos implant together. SET aims to eliminate this, as multiple pregnancies turn out to be risky for both mother and baby.

Why Choose Single Embryo Transfer in IVF?

SET in IVF is becoming a preference because:

• Reduction in the risk of Multiple Pregnancies Although twins and triplets can be a reason for celebration. They also increase the risk of complications ranging from preterm delivery to hypertension and low birth weight.
• It Is Safer for Both Mother and Baby Mothers typically have healthier pregnancies with more predictable outcomes. Since there are fewer pregnancy complications associated with single embryo transfer (SET),
• It Helps in Achieving a Healthy Pregnancy It supports the achievement of a healthy, term pregnancy by allowing embryos to implant naturally. Thus, giving mothers a greater likelihood of reaching the end of their term.

Success Rates of Single Embryo Transfer

The success behind the Single Embryo Transfer (SET) is dependent upon several fertility factors. Younger women generally have higher chances of implantation and pregnancy. This is as age strongly influences egg health. In transferring well-developed blastocysts, embryo quality also plays a vital role, especially. A receptive and healthy uterine environment further boosts success. Underlying medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or reproductive disorders, may affect implantation. However, together, these factors determine how successful an SET cycle can be.

SET vs. Multiple Embryo Transfer

Research has shown that transferring only one high-quality embryo may yield a pregnancy outcome equal to the same level as the multiple embryo transfer technique. The only major distinction is the element of safety. When multiple embryos are implanted at once, the chance of having twins or multiples is increased. However, when multiple embryos are implanted, there is also an increased risk for preterm delivery, low birth weight, and maternal health concerns.

The strategy of using one embryo only (SET) prevents these potential complications by limiting the number of embryos implanted to just one. Therefore, it is a safer, more controllable, and more effective choice for most patients over time. For these reasons, success rates for single embryo transfers will be consistently reliable and much safer in the long term than the success rates of other assisted reproductive techniques.

Advantages of Elective Single Embryo Transfer

If you opt for SET, then get blessed with these important health and emotional benefits:

• Lower Maternal Risks Gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and caesarean deliveries occur less often.
• Decrease in Neonatal Risks Less likely to have pre-term births, low birth weights and NICU admissions.
• Increased Control of the IVF Process SET provides certainty and, therefore, makes the continued pregnancy process more predictable and easier to manage. These advantages of single embryo transfusion lead to safer family planning.

Who Should Consider Elective SET?

SET is highly recommended for these groups:

• Women with high-quality embryos, particularly blastocysts with high implantation potential.
• Patients who are at high risk for multiple births as a result of their current medical condition may experience complications when a twin or triplet pregnancy occurs.
• Patients who are 37 years of age or younger, or those who are undergoing their initial IVF cycle. Studies show that patients who meet these criteria will usually achieve a better outcome after completing their first or second IVF cycle because their eggs and embryos are generally of good quality.

Conclusion

Elective Single Embryo Transfer is a safe, effective, and modern IVF strategy that prioritises maternal and baby health. By reducing the likelihood of complications from multiple pregnancies while continuing to have high success rates, eSET has produced a scientifically sound solution that balances risks and benefits. Couples interested in seeking ART should talk to their physician or fertility clinic about the best option that provides the highest growth potential of achieving pregnancy while also minimising risk for both the mother and infant.