I definitely don't want triplets either! and if I was under 38, I'd be much more conservative about the number of embryos. I really do believe that as you approach 40 ...and beyond (I will be 42 in Dec), things are quite different than they are for younger women struggling with this issue. and the clock is really ticking for over 40's...
I find everyone's opinion and input quite interesting! thanks for all the replies.
buliej not sure what clinic you're with in Melbourne, but just so you know, i went looking on google a bit more last night, and found an article (didn't copy the link dammit!) - but it said that Monash will not, under any circumstances, transfer more than two embryo's...
Thanks for that info. I'm at Melbourne IVF - and I looked to see if they cover this on their website - it says "As a responsible measure, to avoid the dangers associated with multiple pregnancies, at Melbourne IVF our policy is to transfer no more than two embryos, except in rare cases when three may be transferred. For this reason our multiple birth rate (13%) is lower than most other clinics. Almost all of these are twin pregnancies, with triplet pregnancies a rarity."
So it seems like 3 is a possibility, but they have a strong preference not to do 3. I'm sure it's up to the particular FS who would have the best sense of the patient's circumstances. I haven't bothered to call my FS because I'll be seeing her for my scan on Thurs and will ask then ... also, it may end up being irrelevant.
I've just got off the phone to girlfriend who is 42 and we were having the same discussion.
We have found out about a FS who has good results with women over 40. He is well known for this apparently.
What I heard also was that the general rule in Australia is only 2 embies transferred, but we know for a fact this Dr has transferred more.
The only thing though is he is in Brisbane and I've noticed that everyone involved in this discussion is in other states.
Personally, I think if you consent to 3, then you should be able to have 3 transferred.
I have felt like I am banging my head against a wall with my clinic lately, with my FS and I wanting to do things a bit out of the "norm". Surley if we consent to what is being done we should be able to have some say??
I hope you all get some answers regarding this topic. I'd be interested to know for my girlfriend's sake if anyone does have more than 2 little ones transferred.
I used to be with Sydney IVF out of Coffs Harbour and i did have this talk with my FS - he did tell me that after 43 they will put back 3 - but i do believe its up to the FS and you to discuss - its not common practice but its not against any laws. I think alot of the time the FS makes the final decision. I strongly believe that at this age you should be allowed to put 3 back if possible and if you have 3 good embies.
As I mentioned in another thread, I had my pick-up today and asked a lot of questions! One of them was about transferring back in 3 embryos. My FS told me that she would not do this under any circumstances (I don't know if this is her policy or Melbourne IVFs). We chatted about it a bit and she said they had one bad experience with triplets...and that they do not like to do selective reductions because it presents a risk to the other fetuses. I also talked to her about US practices of doing so, and she did tell me that because of the extremely high cost of IVF in the US they put in more to increase the chances of success to avoid multiple cycles as much as possible. Whereas here, they weigh the significantly lower dollar cost against the risks. This all makes sense to me and has made me more comfortable with what is being done even though it may take more cycles to get a BFP.
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