There are many controversial areas in the practice of the assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Perhaps no issue in ART is as controversial, however, as the selection of the optimal number of embryos for transfer. The complications of multiple births from ART are well recognized and well documented; and there have been numerous efforts to control the rising number of multiple gestations associated with ART procedures. Indeed, in current years the number of triplets resulting from ART has diminished; but the number of twins has not declined. SART has published several sets of guidelines on the number of embryos to transfer, most recently in 2006. In that document, the number of embryos to transfer in women age 35 and under is 1-2 embryos for “favorable prognosis patients and 2 for all others.” Despite these guidelines, the average number of embryos transferred in women < 35 years old in the US in 2006 was 2.3, indicating a gap between practice guidelines and clinical practice.

This course is aimed primarily at all practitioners of ART, both clinicians and embryologists. The main focus of this course will be to perform a systematic and in-depth examination of one of the greatest controversies in ART: How many embryos should be transferred? Participants, equipped with the latest data regarding the appropriate number of embryos for transfer, will be better prepared to offer their patients the options that will result in the best possible outcomes in both pregnancy rates and health of the mother and offspring.


LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:
1. Utilize current evidence to develop strategies for reducing the number of embryos transferred in IVF.
2. Summarize current SART guidelines on the number of embryos to be transferred.
3. Critically assess data regarding elective single embryo transfer.

To purchase a downloadable PDF of the PG course syllabus or syllabi, click here.