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After the retrieval and fertilization of eggs using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), patients with multiple high-quality embryos may elect to have a single embryo transferred to the uterus (eSET) even when multiple embryos are available. At VCRM, 100% of our embryo transfers are performed at Day 5 (or Day 6 for fresh PGS cycles).

Our "take-home baby rate" with eSET is around 60%, and increases to around 80% when combining PGT/PGS genetic testing with eSET. Our ongoing/delivered pregnancy rate across eligible eSET candidates is approximately 65%.

The primary goal of eSET is to eliminate the risks associated with multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, quadruplets). In the U.S., approximately 30% of standard IVF pregnancies result in twins and 3–4% result in triplets or higher-order multiples. Transferring a single top-quality blastocyst provides maximum pregnancy success while preventing premature delivery and neonatal complications.

Multiple scientific studies confirm that blastocyst transfers (BT) on Day 5 achieve equivalent or superior pregnancy rates compared to Day 3 transfers, despite replacing significantly fewer embryos. While traditional Day 3 transfers replace 3–4 embryos, a Day 5 transfer typically replaces only 1 or 2 blastocysts.

A blastocyst is a 5-day-old embryo containing ~100 cells separated into two distinct cell types: the inner cell mass (which forms the baby) and the trophectoderm (which forms the placenta). The blastocyst hatches from its Zona Pellucida (egg shell) around Day 6 and implants in the uterus.

Exclusive Distinction: Between 2003 and 2012, VCRM utilized blastocyst transfers for over 75% of patients (achieving a 68% pregnancy rate across ages 21–45). Since March 2013, VCRM performs blastocyst transfers exclusively in 100% of cases, making us the ONLY fertility center in the Washington-Baltimore-Richmond-Norfolk regional area with an exclusive 100% blastocyst transfer policy.

Precision IVF uses time-lapse embryo monitoring so development can be observed without disturbing the incubator environment. The patient-facing CHLOE platform provides transparent embryo video logs and detailed cycle reports.

DuoStim involves ovarian stimulation in both the follicular and luteal phases of the same menstrual cycle, allowing two egg retrievals in a shorter timeframe for low responders or urgent fertility preservation.