In Vitro Fertilization Guidelines

By Dr. Jamie Grifo
Fertility expert Dr. Jamie Grifo
Nadya Suleman's octuplet controversy has a lot of people asking about implantation guidelines. Dr. Jamie Grifo, director of the NYU Fertility Center and member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, breaks down the national standard practices for in vitro fertilization.

"This case is very troubling for those of us who treat patients with infertility," Dr. Grifo says. "It's amazing that these babies were able to survive, but this is not a good outcome for anybody."

While there are no laws regarding embryo transfer, Dr. Grifo says the American Society of Reproductive Medicine's guidelines are clear.
  • For a fresh embryo transfer in women under 35, no more than two embryos should be transferred.
  • Age 35 to 37, no more than three embryos.
  • Up to age 40, no more than four embryos.
  • Over age 40, no more than five embryos.
"Our goal as practitioners is to help these patients have a single healthy pregnancy, because those pregnancies have the best outcome," Dr. Grifo says.

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As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.