[lizzie518]

We thought we would be doing a 5 day transfer of 2 blasts, but it looks like we are having a 3 day transfer. I'm thinking about the possibility of transferring 3 embies instead of 2. I would really like to see something that outlines the risks of multiples with a 3 vs. 5 day transfer, accounting for number of embryos transferred. I've googled this, but have not come up with any good chart or formula. Does anyone have this info?

[charms]

we did a 3dt with 2 eight celled embryos and were pregnant with twins.

good luck!

[IndieBlue]

I'm not sure if there is a formula since there really is no way of knowing what embryo's transferred during a 3dt would have made it to a 5dt. I've read that so many arrest between days 3 and 5....so again, it's just hard to put a number on it.

I did hear that under good conditions, if you transfer 3 it only increases your chance of triplets by 7%? Not sure if that is accurate....and again, 'good' conditions could be any number of things from lining to embryo quality...etc.

I guess it comes down to the bigger question. If all 3 take....would you be able to carry them and handle that pregnancy? Or would you be faced with other difficult decisions, and it's riskier to carry 3 as well....on the babies. It's just a hard decision....not entered into lightly.

I really really struggled with our decision but the embryo cell count...etc played a lot into ours. Plus we only had 5 embryo's that fertilized and the 2 that were left were very slow and the embryologist hinted that they would not make it to day 5....so again, huge part of our decision.

Good luck

[MrsBuffy]

I don't have any statistics, but our rates were as follows:

5dt with 3 embies (A-, B, B,) - negative beta
4dt with 2 embies (grade B) - negative beta

I'm not sure that the day of transfer has anything to do with it, I think the genetics of your embryos determine if they'll make it, at least that's the way my RE explained it to me.

[BabySteps]

I really don't think it matters. Some doctors believe there is a higher chance of success with a 5 day transfer, although there are many conflicting views of this. I had a 5 day transfer and all the embryos we transferred took.

[mnm000]

Hi Lizzie -
I'm so glad you are getting ready for ET!!! You have come so far, and I can't wait to see you BFP!!!!! Ever since our April IUI thread I've been rooting for you!

My RE when we were talking to him about success/# of embryos to transfer, said that he has a 30% chance of an (1) embryo sticking... (I'm am so NOT good with statistics, so take this what it's worth). So if he transfers 2, then it ups your odds for pregnancy to 60%. His likelyhood of twins though is 30%. He did say specifically, that once you add a 3rd embryo, this formula does not work. It doesn't add up to 90% success, and he didn't really give what the odds were if 3 embabies are transfered what the likelyhood of triplets are.

Tough decision to make. I would say talk with DH, pray, and come to the best decision you can. Can you ask your RE/embryologist what the odds of triplets are with putting back 3?

Best of luck sweetie!!!

[Lawyerlady]

No stats for you, but if you're not afraid of twins I vote 3.

[Lawyerlady]

Actually, I lied, I do have some stats for you. Check out the 2005 the CDC report In general, is an ART cycle more likely to be successful if more embryos are transferred? (look at these topics)

In general, is an ART cycle more likely to be successful if embryos are transferred on day 5?

Does the number of embryos transferred differ for day 3 and day 5 embryo transfers?

In general, how does the multiple-infant birth risk vary by the day of embryo transfer?


Section 2C: 2005 ART Report | CDC Reproductive Health

[lizzie518]

I knew I had seen those tables somewhere! Thank you. It looks like in general, a 5 day transfer is always better if you can do it. It also looks like there really isn't any benefit in transferring 3 vs. 2 embryos and that success rates are actually better transferring 2. I'm feeling pretty down now about our 3 day transfer.

[MarisaD]

Do not feel down about your 3dt. I also wanted a 5 day because that is what I thought was better by what I had been reading. My RE explained that nobody knows for sure which is better. For example, the ones transfered on 5 day and did not implant, would they have survived had they been transfered into the uterus at 3 day. Is it a better enviorment for them to grow. He strongly believes it is. Needless to say I did a 3dt with 2 8cell embies. I'm currently 12 weeks pregnant with one baby!
Good luck to you.

[nursesunshine]

Our first cycle we did 2-5 day blasts and got a BFN and the 2nd cycle we did 2-3 day embies and got twins! Good luck to you!

[historyteach]

i was told that i had a 25% chance of multiples with 5dt, and a 10% chance with 3dt. good luck

[Anastasia]

Lizzie - Please do not feel down about a 3dt if you go through the sticky on the board with all of the success there are a ton of people with 3dt that got a bfp. My understanding is that that the odds for getting pg are the same for trasferring 3 -3 day and 2- 5 day, there is just the risk of trips with the 3 day. Of course, it depends on the lab, etc. I think I would agree with Kelly that if you aren't afraid of multiples to go with 3.

[Lawyerlady]

I agree - don't feel down! My clinic says they see no success rate difference between 3 and 5 day.

[LadyR]

Well I did a 3dt of 3 embies and I got pregnant with triplets!! I am currently 11weeks 2days and am down to twins now.