Frozen Embryo Transfer Guidelines

Introduction to Embryo Transfer

The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) strongly recommends against transferring more than two embryos in any IVF cycle 1, 2
Single embryo transfer (SET) should be applied in vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles regardless of the quality of the vitrified blastocyst 1, 2, 3

For patients using donor oocytes or donated embryos, only elective single embryo transfer (eSET) should be practiced 1, 4, 5
For gestational carriers, only eSET should be practiced, and both carriers and intended parents should be counseled that double embryo transfer is associated with greater risk of pregnancy and perinatal complications 5, 6
The decision to perform double embryo transfer instead of single embryo transfer should not be based on number of previous unsuccessful ART treatments, duration of infertility, or previous pregnancies or live births from ART 6, 7

The transfer of two or more embryos with the intention of performing fetal reduction in case of multiple embryo implantation is not recommended 2, 3
Patients should be counseled about the medical, economic, social, and psychological consequences of transferring multiple embryos 3, 8
Single embryo transfer should be used for frozen blastocyst transfers regardless of embryo quality 2, 3
Mandatory single embryo transfer is recommended for donor oocyte cycles, donated embryo cycles, and gestational carrier arrangements 1, 5