For couples grappling with infertility or genetic concerns, IVF journey can feel like a maze of uncertainty. Will the embryo implant? Will the baby be healthy? No matter how advanced reproductive medicine has become, these questions linger and leave hopeful parents anxious. This is where Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) comes into play.
A lot of people are unaware of its potential. Some hesitate due to misconceptions. In this blog, Apex Hospital – home to experienced infertility doctors in India – will decode preimplantation genetic testing. From meaning to how it works and benefits to risks associated, we will cover all aspects.
Let’s start!
What Exactly is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a laboratory procedure used during IVF to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation. It helps ensure that only embryos without known genetic defects are selected for transfer to the procedure.
How Exactly Does PGT Work?
The process is generally divided into 4 phases:
IVF and embryo creation: Eggs are removed and fertilized with sperm in a test tube to give rise to embryos. They are allowed to grow to the stage of blastocyst for 5-6 days.
Biopsy: Then, a small number of cells are removed from the outer layer (trophectoderm) of the embryo, which will subsequently become the placenta. These cells do not disturb the proper development of the latter.
Genetic analysis: Biopsy cells are then shipped to a laboratory where doctors check them using special methods (such as Next-Gen Sequencing) to determine the presence of chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A) or individual genetic conditions (PGT-M/PGT-SR).
Selection and transfer: At last, only healthy and genetically normal embryos are transferred into the uterus. This maximizes the chances of a successful pregnancy, all while reducing the risks of miscarriage.
What are the Benefits of Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
The PGT procedure significantly improves the chances of implantation and pregnancy by selecting the embryos with the correct number of chromosomes. And that’s not it! Here are more benefits of undergoing this treatment:
Reduced risk of genetic diseases: PGT-M allows for the screening of inherited genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and Tay-Sachs disease.
Lower miscarriage rates: Chromosomal abnormalities are a leading cause of miscarriage. Preimplantation genetic testing helps reduce the risk by ensuring only chromosomally normal embryos are used.
Single Embryo Transfer (SET): PGT supports the practice of SET by identifying the healthiest embryos. It reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies.
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Informed decision-making: Preimplantation genetic testing provides couples with detailed genetic insights into their embryos, enabling more informed reproductive decisions.
Support for older women: Women over 35 have a higher risk of producing aneuploid embryos. PGT helps identify viable embryos and increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Compatibility testing: Preimplantation genetic testing can be used to find an HLA-compatible embryo for a sibling needing a stem cell transplant.
Time and cost efficiency: Although preimplantation genetic testing incurs an upfront cost, it can reduce the number of IVF cycles required. It makes the overall process more efficient.
What are the Risks and Limitations of PGT?
Just as every coin has two sides, every medical procedure comes with its own set of risks. The same holds true for preimplantation genetic testing:
Embryo damage: The biopsy process can potentially damage embryos and reduce the chances of implantation.
False positive/negative: PGT is not 100% accurate. There is a small risk of misdiagnosis, where healthy embryos may be discarded or abnormal embryos may be transferred.
Ethical concerns: Some people have ethical reservations about embryo selection, especially when it involves discarding embryos with abnormalities.
Limited testing scope: Preimplantation genetic testing only screams for the specific conditions it is designed to detect. It cannot identify all potential health issues.
Delayed transfer: The transfer may be delayed as embryos must be frozen while awaiting results. Some patients may find it emotionally challenging to wait.
Emotional and psychological stress: The added complexity and decision-making in preimplantation genetic testing can increase stress and anxiety for couples.
Who Should Consider PGT?
The preimplantation genetic testing may be especially beneficial for:
– Couples with a history of genetic disorders
– Women over the age of 35
– Couples with recurrent pregnancy loss
– Individuals with chromosomal rearrangements
– Patients undergoing multiple failed IVF cycles
– Couples using donor gametes and warring added assurance
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Wrapup
We hope that you are now familiar with the benefits and risks of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). The journey of parenthood should not be full of uncertainty but only hope. This tool will help you reduce risks, improve success rates, and bring you closer to the healthy baby you dream of after completing the IVF voyage.
But hey, knowledge is just the first step. The right guidance can make all the difference! Apex Hospital has a team of top fertility specialists, gynecologists, and genetic counselors who will help you navigate PGT with confidence.
Contact us today via WhatsApp or call us at 91680 39000 to discuss your pregnancy goals with our doctors.
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