Randomized study comparing day 2 versus day 3 elective transfer of two good-quality embryos

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Embryology
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Background:

• Optimizing embryo transfer protocols is essential in IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to minimize multiple pregnancies while maintaining high success rates.
• Previous research established criteria for elective two-embryo transfer in specific patient groups to avoid high-order multiples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical outcomes of elective two-good-quality embryo transfer on day 2 versus day 3 post-oocyte retrieval.
• To determine a preferential day for embryo transfer to maximize viable embryo development.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study of 36 IVF/ICSI-ET cycles involving patients under 40 with a first treatment cycle and at least three good-quality embryos.
• Patients underwent elective transfer of two good-quality embryos on either day 2 or day 3 after oocyte retrieval.

Main Results:

• The overall pregnancy rate was 44.4%, with a 12.5% twin pregnancy rate. No significant differences were observed between day 2 and day 3 transfers regarding cycle parameters.
• Although not statistically significant, day 3 embryo transfer showed higher pregnancy (58.3% vs. 37.5%) and implantation (33.3% vs. 20.8%) rates compared to day 2 transfer.

Conclusions:

• Day 3 embryo transfer may be preferable over day 2 transfer for achieving a greater number of viable embryos in selected IVF/ICSI patients.
• Further research may be warranted to confirm the superiority of day 3 transfer in specific patient populations.