Single-Embryo Transfer Catches on in Europe : While SET becomes the standard of care in many countries, it's used much less often in the United States.

In a recent editorial on SET, Owen K. Davis, M.D., immediate past president of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, noted that “in 2001, women less than 35 years of age underwent approximately 47% of the IVF cycles in the United States, and 75% of the cycles were first or second attempts. Although the proportion with 'good quality' embryos is not known, this would suggest that on the order of 30% of cycles could be considered for single-embryo transfer” (N. Engl. J. Med. 2004;351:2440–2).

Assuming acceptance of SET by U.S. physicians, he continued: “The education of patients regarding the risk of twin as well as higher-order multiple pregnancy, along with improved insurance coverage for assisted reproductive therapies, would probably enhance the acceptance of a single-embryo transfer approach for appropriate candidates.”