Advancement in IVF methods is causing a downturn in the US twin boom. The rate of twin births in the US has exploded since the 1980s, likely due to mothers having babies later, and the development of infertility treatments. Now, with fewer parents and doctors opting for multiple embryo transfer, the number of IVF multiple births is declining. But with mothers continuing to start families at a mature age, will the twin bubble burst altogether? Improvements in IVF Treatment In 1978 the first ‘Test-Tube Baby’, Louise Brown, was born. Since then, around 6 million babies have been born worldwide through In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF), over 1 million in the US alone. Success rates for IVF vary, and are strongly swayed by a woman’s age. The success rate for women under 35 is around 40%. However, women aged over 42 are told they only have a 4% success rate. In order to increase the chances of a successful birth, it has been common to transfer multiple embryos during the IVF cycle. Tiring emotionally and physically, IVF is also expensive. The average cost of an IVF cycle is $12,000 before medication, so doubling the chances of success by doubling your embryo transfer seems like a...
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