The Embryos to Transfer in IVF/ICSI

- Scope and purpose

This guideline predominantly covers the recommendations for safe and effective embryo transfer after IVF to achieve the highest possible life birth rate without subjecting the patient to the risk of multiple pregnancy. It also aims to examine different evidence based procedures and the different steps  that should be used during the  embryo transfer procedures. It also examines many of the procedures that should be abandoned because there is no evidence to support their practice.

This is the first guideline in Egypt for regulation of IVF practice. Multiple embryo transfer is widely practiced in Egypt with a consequent high multiple twin and HOM rate. Both the clinician and the patient are responsible for that. The transition from no legislation to eSET cannot be taken abruptly. A gradual move to the limitation of the number of embryos to transfer is needed. The aim is the reduction of MPR to below 15% within the coming 4 years, with an ultimate goal of bringing it down below 10% in a second step. Patient's autonomy to consider placement of more than one embryo is respected, however, this requires a full discussion of the ethical and medical considerations, ensuring that a patient is able to make a fully informed decision. This guideline is meant to assist practitioners to properly counsel patients to take the right decision about the number of embryos to transfer.