Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) Encouragement Program

Reproductive Partners Medical Group has developed the Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) Encouragement Program to provide a financial incentive for patients with good embryo quality and a good prognosis for success to consider reducing the chance of twins by transferring a single embryo.

Reducing the number of multiple pregnancies, even twin pregnancies, is one of the biggest issues in advanced reproductive technology today. In the early days of in vitro fertilization, it was common to transfer a large number of embryos to try to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Today, fewer embryos are required to attain a reasonable chance of success.

Couples with fertility problems often assume that they can double their chances for a healthy baby by transferring two embryos instead of just one. But, data recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that what they're really doing is increasing their odds of having multiples, which is riskier for the mother and babies alike.

For patients who qualify, the eSET Encouragement Program reduces the economic rationale for transferring more than one embryo. If an elective single embryo transfer is recommended and accepted by the couple and they do not achieve a 12-week pregnancy, the fees for embryo freezing and six months of storage will be waived. The fees associated with embryo freezing and six months of storage are approximately $830.

Last updated: January 20, 2010
Author: Dr. V. Gabriel Garzo