SET vs DET, which should I choose?

01 Jan SET vs DET, which should I choose?

Hip Hip Hooray it’s Transfer Day! You and your surrogate have been working so hard to (finally) get to this day! While you have already answered so many questions, one still remains….how many embryos will you be transferring today? 

The answer isn’t so black and white for most. Let’s dive right into the pros and cons of choosing a single embryo transfer (SET) or a double embryo transfer (DET) to help you make the best decision for your family.

Single embryo transfer (SET) refers to placing only one embryo in at a time. This method comes highly recommended by most clinics and physicians. While transferring one embryo at a time provides many Pros, it does come with risk. 

But first, let’s talk Pros of a SET:

• Most clinics encourage and prefer this method
• Reduced risk of multiple pregnancies
• Lower risk of birth complications
• Higher chance of successful implantation
• Higher likelihood of getting to full term
• Decreased cost

While this list provides many reasons to choose a SET, let’s not forget the risk.

Cons of a SET:

• Lower chance of a successful pregnancy
• An unsuccessful SET could lead to another cycle
• Could take longer to see a successful transfer
• If more than one transfer is required, financial costs would increase

For some, an SET is the only option due to the number of embryos available. If you have more than one viable embryo available, you might consider a DET or double embryo transfer. It’s important to know that this method is not highly recommended, and some clinics may not even allow for more than one embryo to be transferred at a time. In spite of recommendations, the choice is ultimately up to you. 

Before making a decision let’s talk Pros of a DET:

• Increased chance of pregnancy
• Higher chance for implantation of at least one of the embryos
• Higher likelihood of multiple pregnancies
• Increases the likelihood of having a successful live birth (with other risks to consider)
• Path to pregnancy could be faster than a single embryo transfer

While the pros are encouraging it’s important to know that each positive comes with its own risk.

Cons of a DET:

• Higher risk of multiple pregnancies
• Higher risk for pregnancy complications
• Increased medical costs
• Decrease in likelihood that pregnancy will not make it to full term
• Possibility that both embryos will not make to live birth

Choosing between a single embryo transfer and a double embryo transfer is not a choice taken lightly. Each option provides its own set of pros and cons. Before making a decision, discuss your options with your physician, and your family. You will also need to discuss the possibility of multiple pregnancies with your surrogate before your embryo transfer, which might help in making your choice. 

At the end of the day, we want you to make the best decisions for your family. We are happy to answer any questions and walk alongside you through the entire surrogacy process.