Embryo transfer is a crucial step in the IVF procedure. This is the step that can help you conceive. So couples with infertility opt for IVF, but they are not well aware of the things involved in IVF, such as the embryos. We all know embryo transfer in IVF is done to conceive a pregnancy, but if it is not done perfectly, then it can lead to IVF failure. So many things need to be kept in mind while embryo transfer. For instance, the quality of the embryo must be good, and the embryo must be perfectly transferred by the embryologist into the uterus of the woman. Most importantly, you should be informed about how many embryos should be transferred in IVF because the number of embryos transferred can determine the success rate of IVF. The number of embryo transfers depends on the age of the woman. So let’s start the article and understand the logic behind this… 

What is IVF? 

Well, IVF, or In Vitro Fertilisation, is a fertility treatment that involves taking eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilising them with sperm in a lab setting. After the fertilisation process, the resulting embryo is then placed into the uterus, where it can hopefully implant and lead to pregnancy.

This method is widely regarded as one of the most effective assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for those dealing with infertility, which can stem from a variety of issues, including:

• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Low sperm count or motility
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Endometriosis
• Unexplained infertility
• Advanced maternal age

What is IVF embryo transfer?

The IVF embryo transfer is the step in the IVF process. In this step, the created embryo is placed into the uterus of the woman. As per the ART regulations, not more than 3 embryos are allowed to be transferred into the uterus of the woman. Earlier, people used to think that more embryo transfers result in a successful pregnancy and have a high chance of conception, but this is not true. If you transfer more than one embryo, then it can result in multiple pregnancy. 

So thanks to advanced technology, that transfer of more than one embryo is not required. With the help of advanced technology, embryo selection is available, which is why couples are opting for single embryo transfer (SET) nowadays. 

How does it create an embryo?

The In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) process is a carefully designed medical procedure aimed at assisting couples who are dealing with infertility issues. In India, leading fertility centres offer a structured and patient-friendly IVF journey that typically includes the following steps:

Initial Consultation & Evaluation

• The couple meets with a fertility specialist.
• A thorough medical history is gathered.
• Basic tests such as hormonal analysis, ultrasound, and semen analysis are performed.
• Based on the results, a personalised IVF treatment plan is created.

Ovarian Stimulation

• The female partner receives hormonal injections for about 8–12 days to stimulate her ovaries.
• The aim here is to produce multiple mature eggs, rather than the usual single egg per cycle.
• Regular ultrasounds and blood tests are conducted to monitor the growth of the eggs.

Egg Retrieval (Ovum Pick-up)

• Once the eggs are ready, they are retrieved from the ovaries through a minor surgical procedure known as transvaginal ultrasound aspiration, performed under anaesthesia.
• This process is painless and takes roughly 15–20 minutes.

Sperm Collection

• On the same day as the egg retrieval, the male partner provides a semen sample.
• If there are issues like azoospermia or low sperm count, sperm may be surgically extracted using techniques like TESA or PESA.

Fertilisation in the Lab

• The collected eggs and sperm are combined in a lab dish.
• This step can involve traditional IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection), where a single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg.
• The fertilised eggs, now embryos, are cultured for 3–5 days.

Embryo Transfer

• The highest quality embryo(s) are selected for transfer.
• A thin catheter is used to place the embryo(s) into the woman’s uterus.
• This is a painless, non-surgical procedure conducted under ultrasound guidance.

Luteal Phase Support

• Following the embryo transfer, hormonal support (usually progesterone) is provided for 10–14 days.
• These medications help prepare the uterine lining for a successful implantation.

Pregnancy Test  

• Around 12 to 14 days after the embryo transfer, a beta hCG blood test is performed to check for pregnancy.
• If the test is positive, the IVF specialist will provide guidance through the initial stages of pregnancy.

Follow-up and Support  

• If the IVF cycle doesn’t succeed, the doctor might suggest further evaluations or adjustments to the treatment plan for the next cycle.

Embryo Quality is More Important Than Quantity

In IVF, many couples believe that transferring more embryos will increase their chances of pregnancy. But that’s not always true. What actually matters more is the quality of the embryo, not how many are transferred.

A single high-quality embryo, especially a healthy blastocyst, has a much higher chance of successful implantation than two or three weak or poor-quality embryos. This is because good-quality embryos have stronger genetic makeup, better cell division, and a higher ability to attach to the uterus lining and grow into a healthy pregnancy.

Doctors today utilise advanced techniques, such as morphological grading and PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing), to select the best embryos. If a genetically normal embryo is available, most fertility specialists recommend Single Embryo Transfer (SET) to reduce the risks of multiple pregnancy.

Also, transferring multiple low-quality embryos doesn’t increase the success rate but increases risks like miscarriage, twin complications, and preterm birth. So, rather than focusing on numbers, IVF experts now prioritize transferring one strong embryo and freezing the rest for future use if needed.

In summary, in modern IVF treatment, one healthy embryo is often better than many average ones. The goal isn’t just to achieve pregnancy — it’s to achieve a safe and healthy singleton pregnancy with the least possible risk. That’s why embryo quality truly matters more than quantity.

The Woman’s Age is a Key Factor

In IVF, a woman’s age plays one of the most important roles in deciding how many embryos should be transferred. This is because age directly affects egg quality, ovarian reserve, embryo health, and overall chances of implantation.

Women under 35 years of age generally produce healthier eggs, and the embryos formed from those eggs have a higher chance of developing normally and implanting successfully. That’s why, in most cases, doctors recommend Single Embryo Transfer (SET) for younger women — because even one high-quality embryo can lead to a healthy pregnancy.

Between ages 35 to 37, fertility starts to decline slowly. Some women in this age group may still respond well to treatment, and based on their case, doctors might suggest transferring one or two embryos.

For women above 38 or 40, the quality and number of eggs usually decline more significantly. The risk of chromosomal issues also increases with age. Therefore, doctors may consider transferring two embryos to slightly improve the chance of implantation — while still keeping safety in mind.

But even in older women, if genetic testing (like PGT-A) shows that the embryo is healthy, many clinics still prefer single embryo transfer to reduce risks of multiple pregnancy.

In short, younger women generally need fewer embryos because their fertility is naturally stronger. As age increases, the number may vary — but the focus always remains on safety, quality, and giving the best chance for a healthy baby.

How Many Embryos Should Be Transferred in IVF?

If the woman is younger, it means that if the age of the woman is below 30 years, then it is required to transfer one embryo. For women aged between 30 and 35 years then more than 2 embryos are required for implantation. Women who are over 35 years old need to transfer 3 embryos to increase the success rate of embryo transfer.  

As per studies and data, if the woman’s age increases, then the complications in pregnancy and chances of conception, means that getting a successful pregnancy decreases. As we know, IVF is an expensive and time-consuming process at the same time, which is why doctors choose to implant multiple embryos so that one embryo can develop into a baby. 

So the number of embryo transfers depends on the case of the patient and the practice followed by doctors. If the woman has good good and no complications that can ruin success, then doctors may not transfer multiple embryos. Additionally, if you don’t want to start from the first process of IVF, then you can choose embryo freezing. In this way, in case of unsuccessful results, the doctor will again transfer the embryo. However, this time you do not have to do the same process from the start, like triggering hormones to release multiple eggs, egg extraction, sperm collection, fertilisation and creating an embryo, then transferring and pregnancy test. 

Embryo freezing will help you to start the process from embryo transfer and end with a pregnancy test. 

What’s the cost of embryo transfer in IVF?

The cost of embryo transfer is involved in the IVF process. IVF is an assisted reproductive technique that provides a baby to infertile couples. The process of offering a baby through IVF involves the fertilisation of eggs and sperm, then embryo transfer that results in a successful pregnancy. 

Embryo transfer is a part of IVF, which is why its cost is involved in IVF. Embryo transfer cost depends on age and the number of attempts. One attempt of embryo transfer costs around 25k to 30k. However, its cost can vary depending on the patient’s medical condition and the complexity of the case.

It’s because what if someone requires the genetic test before the embryo transfer? So the person requires the PGD so which can increase the cost of embryo transfer. 

Risks of Transferring Multiple Embryos

1. Multiple Pregnancy (Twins or Triplets)

When more than one embryo implants, it can result in twins or triplets. Although this might seem exciting, carrying multiple babies is medically riskier. The mother’s body undergoes more strain, and the babies often compete for space and nutrients. This raises the chances of complications for both mother and children during pregnancy and birth.

2. Preterm Birth (Early Delivery)

Multiple pregnancies often lead to premature delivery — babies born before 37 weeks. Premature babies may require NICU (intensive care), face breathing problems, and need longer hospital stays. Early birth also increases the risk of developmental delays and health issues later in life.

3. Low Birth Weight

Babies born from multiple pregnancies usually weigh less than normal. Low birth weight (below 2.5 kg) can lead to weak immunity, slow growth, feeding difficulties, and a higher risk of infections in the newborn phase. It also affects long-term health if not managed properly.

4. Pregnancy Complications for the Mother

Women carrying twins or more have a higher risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, anemia, and excessive amniotic fluid. These conditions can endanger both the mother’s and the babies’ health and may require early delivery or C-section.

5. Miscarriage or Loss of One Embryo

When multiple embryos are transferred, there’s a risk that one or more may not survive or may get absorbed by the body. This can cause emotional distress and reduce the overall success of the IVF cycle. Sometimes, one embryo thrives while another fails to develop.

6. Higher Delivery Complications

Multiple pregnancies often end in C-section (surgical delivery), which involves a longer recovery time and higher risk of infection, bleeding, and future complications in pregnancy. Natural birth becomes difficult when more than one baby is involved.

7. Emotional and Financial Stress

Raising twins or triplets requires more time, care, and money. From medical bills to daycare to emotional support  everything multiplies. For some families, this pressure becomes overwhelming, especially after going through the financial and emotional cost of IVF.

What factors influence the cost of embryo transfer in IVF?

Several factors influence the cost of IVF embryo transfer in India, such as:

Clinic Reputation & Success Rate: Well-established IVF embryo clinics with high success rates tend to charge more.

Doctor’s Experience: Experienced fertility specialists may have higher consultation and procedure fees.

Medication Costs: IVF medications and hormonal injections contribute significantly to the total cost.

Use of Advanced Techniques: Additional procedures like ICSI, embryo freezing, laser-assisted hatching, and PGD/PGT increase the overall expense.

Number of IVF embryo Cycles: Some couples may require multiple IVF cycles to achieve pregnancy, increasing costs.

Age of the Woman: Women above 35 may need additional treatments or donor eggs, which adds to the cost.

Diagnostic Tests: Pre-IVF tests like ultrasound, hormone tests, and semen analysis also contribute to the expenses.

Guidelines from Medical Authorities

When it comes to deciding how many embryos should be transferred during IVF, it’s not just about personal choice — it’s also about following safe medical guidelines set by trusted health authorities across the world.

Organizations like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and in India, ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) have clearly recommended that clinics should promote Single Embryo Transfer (SET), especially for young women under 35 and those with good-quality embryos.

These guidelines are designed to reduce the risks of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets), which can lead to complications for both mother and baby. According to these standards:

• Women under 35 should ideally receive only one embryo if it is of good quality.
• Women aged 35–37 may be considered for 1 or 2 embryos, based on medical condition.
• For women above 38 or with previous IVF failures, up to 2 embryos may be considered, but only with full understanding of the risks.

Many countries also require written informed consent if more than one embryo is being transferred. This ensures that patients are aware of all the possible outcomes and risks involved.

By following these guidelines, fertility clinics aim to increase the success rate safely while protecting the health of the mother and the baby. So, whenever you choose an IVF center, make sure they follow internationally accepted medical standards — because safety always comes first.

What is the success rate of embryo transfer in IVF?

Multiple factors determine the success rate of embryo transfer in IVF. It includes the age of the woman, skills and expertise of the IVF embryo clinic, experience of the embryologist, number of embryo transfers, etc.  Additionally, the case and condition of the patient also define the IVF embryo transfer success rate. So the success rate of embryo transfer in IVF ranges from 68% to 96%. This range of success rates can increase or decrease based on these factors. 

What should you consider when selecting the top IVF embryo transfer clinic in India?

We understand how difficult it is to select the best option for your infertility treatment, but do not get tense, as one of the best options is going to be suggested to you, where the patient collaborates with highly experienced and qualified doctors. The patient will find it comfortable as the staff will always stand by them, away from all the worries that come to their mind. We offer all types of infertility treatment, so contact us today! To start, consider the following factors while selecting a location:

i. The patient-focused assistance of the centre

ii. Professionals with extensive education and experience

iii. Infrastructure that is well-built for maximum comfort and happiness

iv. The entire medical staff treats you with respect

v. Assists you throughout the entire process from the beginning

vi. Offers transparent fees and processes

You have the option of choosing IVF for all of these! So, reach out to us at +91- 9899293903 | Email ID: [email protected]

Why pick Select IVF for embryo transfer in India?

Several numbers of infertile couples trusted the select IVF for their bright future. We care for every patient who has issues of infertility. We understand the phase of infertility, and that’s why we want to assist you in your dream of achieving parenthood. The prices of IVF treatment are reasonable at our centre, We ensure the highest success rates, we keep transparency and ensure personalised care and support to our patients. Get the treatment from our clinic and make your life stress-free by hearing the giggling of your newborn. 

Here’s why Select IVF is best for IVF embryo transfer treatment in India :

• The high success rate of IVF and other infertility treatments 
• Several infertility treatments for different infertility issues 
• Use of cutting-edge technologies 
• Equipped with highly skilled and educated doctors 
• Affordable prices for IVF and other infertility treatments 
• Ensures utmost comfort and support during the procedure

Last words 

Our article contains information about the number of embryos that should be transferred in IVF. Also, we covered the procedure and cost of embryo transfer. The number of embryo transfers depends on the age of the woman, as the woman is younger then one embryo is sufficient for embryo transfer. If the woman is older then more than 2 or 3 embryos are required. One cycle of embryo transfer ranges up to 25k, and it includes the transfer into the uterus of the woman to develop pregnancy. 

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