Is more better for IVF embryo implantation? National Health Agency warns of premature birth risks

Central News Agency (Reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, 7th) Assisted reproductive technology has helped many infertile couples realize their dream of having children, but some people have the misconception that implanting more embryos in IVF is better. The National Health Agency reminds that multiple pregnancies are prone to problems such as premature birth, and encourages the adoption of a single embryo implantation strategy through subsidies. According to the latest statistics from the National Health Agency of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, in 2023, for assisted reproduction using spouse''s sperm and eggs by infertile couples of Taiwanese nationality, the live birth rate for implanting 1 embryo was 36.9%, but the live birth rates for implanting 2 to 4 embryos were 29.3%, 23.9%, and 22.2% respectively, indicating that a higher success rate was not achieved by implanting more embryos. The National Health Agency of the Ministry of Health and Welfare today organized common questions through a press release to help the public understand the reasons for single embryo implantation. Shen Jing-fen, Director-General of the National Health Agency, stated that single embryo implantation is an effective method that aligns with international trends and reduces health risks for mothers and infants, while balancing success rates and safety, creating a safer and more secure environment for reproductive support. The National Health Agency reminds that although live birth rates involve different factors such as age, physical condition, and embryo quality, assisted reproduction data from 2019 to 2023 shows that the live birth rates for implanting 1 or 2 embryos for women aged 36 to 37 are similar, approximately between 39% and 40%. The National Health Agency stated that in 2023, among live birth cycles of assisted reproduction using spouse''s sperm and eggs by infertile couples of Taiwanese nationality, only 1.5% of those who implanted 1 embryo gave birth to multiples, but if 2 or more embryos were implanted resulting in a live birth, at least 27.0% would give birth to multiples. The National Health Agency pointed out that as the number of implanted embryos increases, the probability of multiple pregnancies such as twins or triplets significantly increases, and health risks also relatively increase. Not only may pregnant women face high-risk complications such as gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes, but fetuses are also more prone to problems such as premature birth and low birth weight. The National Health Agency stated that the current Assisted Reproductive Technology Act prohibits implanting more than 4 embryos at a time, but to encourage infertile couples to adopt single embryo implantation, the current infertility IVF subsidy 3.0 program stipulates that for wives under 38 years old receiving subsidies, only 1 embryo can be implanted each time; for those aged 38 to under 45, 1 or 2 embryos can be implanted each time. (Editor: Guan Zhong-wei) 1150507 Stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency ''First-hand News'' APP to grasp the latest news instantly. The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.