Preimplantation genetic testing boosts your odds of successful conception and pregnancy when used in conjunction with IVF. Once the lab fertilizes your eggs with your partner’s sperm, your embryos develop. A few days after fertilization, at what’s known as the blastocyst stage, the embryos develop two sets of cells. One is the pre-placental cells or the cells that develop into the placenta, and the other develops into the baby. At that point, doctors may perform preimplantation genetic testing or PGT.
Through PGT, an embryologist removes some cells from the pre-placenta and examines them to uncover any potential chromosomal or genetic issues. The procedure itself doesn’t harm the developing embryo and may uncover issues that could prevent a successful pregnancy. Two of the biggest challenges to IVF are implantation and miscarriage. Miscarriages often occur because the fetus has an abnormality that wouldn’t be compatible with life.
What You Can Learn From PGT
What you and your doctor learn from PGT helps determine which, if any, embryos carry a risk for chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or devastating birth defects. Understanding the results of PGT helps you and your partner make an educated decision regarding IVF and your pregnancy. Here, we explain the three main types of PGT and what you’ll learn from the results.
PGT – M
PGT-M is preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders. Your doctor suggests this type of PGT when there is a risk for a specific genetic condition known to run in the family. There’s always a possibility that the parents are carriers of the gene that causes such conditions as type 1 neurofibromatosis, Marfan’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, or maybe a carrier for a chromosomal condition of an X-linked syndrome such as Fragile X.
Some parents desire a healthy HLA-compatible baby to help a sick sibling. Your embryologist may determine a match through PGT-M testing. Your doctor may implant the embryo with the closest immune system match for future stem cell donation from the baby to aid their sibling.
PGT – A
According to a paper published by the NIH, the most common cause of a failed embryo transfer is aneuploidy, which is the wrong number of chromosomes. The embryologist uses PGT- A to check for this chromosomal abnormality and avoid transferring those embryos in which aneuploidy presents. The embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, called euploid, have the best chance for successful implantation. PGT-A allows the embryologist to identify euploid and aneuploid embryos.
PGT – SR
For those couples who’ve experienced multiple miscarriages or failed IVF cycles PGT-SR may identify the reason. Sometimes the embryo has the right number of chromosomes but may have structural abnormalities such as the following.
- Translocation: This happens when a chromosome breaks and the fragments reattach to other chromosomes.
- Deletion: When a chromosome simply disappears.
- Inversion: This occurs when a segment of a chromosome becomes flipped end-to-end.
- Insertion: When a segment of one chromosome is inserts into another chromosome.
If you know of a structural rearrangement of chromosomes that occurred in your family discuss PGT-SR with your doctor. Likewise, if you and your partner experienced multiple miscarriages or failed IVF cycles you’ll benefit from discussing PGT-SR with your doctor.
Who Should Have Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
Very often your doctor suggests PGT if you’re over 35. The reason being the closer you are to menopause the greater the odds for chromosomal abnormalities. As mentioned above those who struggle with the heartbreak of recurrent miscarriages, those with known genetic conditions, and those who carry certain genetic conditions should consider PGT.
Advantages of Preimplantation Genetic Testing
There are several advantages to PGT, including the likelihood that your embryo transfer results in a healthy pregnancy. Additional benefits include:
- Lower risk for miscarriage
- Less chance for failed transfers
- Reduces the risk of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities
We’re Here to Help You Get Answers
If you’re concerned about your risk for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, or you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriage, failed IVF, or had a child with a chromosomal birth defect, please contact LA IVF. With offices throughout the greater LA area, we’ll accommodate you. Reach out to us for a consultation today and let us help you realize your dreams of growing your family.
