by Dr Agilan Arjunan, Fertility Specialist & Gynaecologist, KL Fertility Centre (Malaysia)

Conceiving a child and procreating is a natural human tendency. Many of us  are blessed with children . However, some couples do face obstacles in their journey towards parenthood.

Modern fertility treatment such as an in-vitro fertilisation ( IVF) has helped many couples to conceive. Current IVF technology had seen many advancements , thus achieving a higher pregnancy rate . IVF has also become safer for patients.

Common risks associated with an IVF procedure are ovarian hyperstimulation ( OHSS) and multiple pregnancy.

The risk of OHSS has reduced dramatically with the current IVF protocols. However, the risk of multiple pregnancy varies depending on several factors such as the age of the woman, quality of the embryo and number of embryo transferred into the womb. 

A well established IVF centre have their own medical guidelines pertaining to number of embryos to be transferred into the womb. Some countries have their own national guidelines which advises fertility specialists on number of embryos to be transferred based on patient and embryo factors.

Statistical probability points towards a higher pregnancy rate with increasing number of embryos transferred . In conclusion, the more embryos transferred into the womb, the higher the pregnancy rate.

So, why are IVF doctors concerned about the number of embryos transferred ?

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