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Fertility Glossary

Elective single embryo transfer

Choosing to transfer one embryo when more are available.

IVF & IUI

Canadian clinics strongly favour transferring one embryo at a time, because twin pregnancy substantially increases the risk of preterm birth and complications. With freezing, the remaining embryos are available later, so cumulative chances are preserved. Some provincial funding programmes require single embryo transfer.

Also known as: eSET, one embryo at a time

Sources

  • Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS)
  • Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) patient information

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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