When my partner and I discovered that natural conception was not an option for us, we started exploring IVF combined with TESE (testicular sperm extraction) and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) as a path to parenthood. We anticipated that the journey would be physically and emotionally taxing, not to mention costly. One of our biggest concerns was the likelihood of having multiples, like twins or triplets, which can come with added risks. While we longed for a child, we were determined to give our future little one the best possible start—aiming for a healthy, full-term pregnancy, a natural birth, and the opportunity for breastfeeding if possible.
Dr. Sarah Thompson was incredibly patient and answered all our questions about the IVF process and embryo freezing. We decided to take a less common route at that time: we opted for a single embryo transfer, requesting that any extra embryos be cryopreserved. I was 34 years old and had never been pregnant before.
In our first IVF/ICSI cycle back in September 1998, we were thrilled to have 13 healthy embryos. Transferring just one fresh 3-day-old embryo led to the birth of our son, Lucas, nine months later. Fast forward to 2002, when we were ready to try for a second child. Dr. Thompson transferred one frozen 8-cell embryo during a natural cycle. Lucas even told me, “Mommy, the little baby in your tummy is crying,” just a week after the transfer. Unfortunately, my period arrived shortly after that. The next month, we tried again with a different frozen embryo, and this time, Lucas felt that this one was happy. He was right—she grew to be his sister, Emma.
Choosing to transfer our embryos one at a time was a financially wise decision, as the cost of frozen embryo transfers is significantly lower compared to the IVF/ICSI procedures. I found the transfers with Dr. Thompson to be gentle and stress-free. Her respect for our preferences made our experience so much more positive. Our children bring us joy beyond measure.
– Jenna, San Jose
Most couples undergoing IVF or frozen embryo transfer typically opt to transfer multiple embryos to boost their chances of conception. However, as Jenna’s story shows, for younger patients with high-quality embryos, selecting a single embryo transfer can effectively reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. This approach also highlights the advantages of embryo freezing, allowing for the possibility of additional children from a single IVF cycle.
For more unique insights into fertility treatments, check out this post about lesser-known fertility options. If you’re curious about home insemination methods, resources like this one on pregnancy can provide valuable information. For those interested in home insemination kits, you might want to look at options from reputable providers like CryoBaby.
In summary, a single embryo transfer can be a thoughtful choice for couples on their journey to parenthood, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and high-quality care.