Is it worth it? What patients should consider about preimplantation genetic testing
At our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic, we realize that our patients often need assistance to create or expand their families. David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, our founder and director, offers state-of-the-art fertility treatment, including IUI (intrauterine insemination), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and IVF. One important element to think about with IVF is preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT.
Understanding the basics of PGT
Once patients begin the IVF process, the female’s egg is combined with the male’s sperm to create embryos that Dr. Vandermolen will transfer to the uterus. Our skilled embryologists evaluate the embryos and select those of the highest quality for transfer. PGT enables our team to check the health of the embryos before they’re transferred, which can improve the odds of success.
What is PGT?
The term preimplantation genetic testing is a broad description that encompasses three specific types of screenings: PGT-A (testing for aneuploidy), PGT-M (testing for monogenetic/single-gene diseases), and PGT-SR (testing for structural chromosomal rearrangements). We most commonly suggest PGT-A for couples and individuals undergoing the IVF process because it screens for chromosomal abnormalities and can help predict which embryos are most likely to result in a healthy pregnancy.
What happens during the genetic testing process?
After embryos are created in our IVF lab, each one undergoes a biopsy to remove a small sample of just a few cells. This doesn’t damage the embryo or compromise its ability to implant or develop normally. The sample cells are sent to a specialized genetics laboratory, where their DNA is examined to identify any abnormalities in chromosomes or specific genes. Using these test results, Dr. Vandermolen and the IVF lab team can recommend which embryo is most likely to result in a healthy pregnancy, so that embryo can be chosen for transfer. The process also identifies the sex of each embryo, and patients can receive that information if they choose to.
Is PGT right for me?
The decision about whether or not to utilize genetic testing is a personal one. Dr. Vandermolen will review the pros and cons, so that patients and their partners can make informed decisions. The following considerations can influence the decision to pursue PGT during the IVF process.
- Maternal age: Patients who are 35 or older have an increased risk of chromosomal anomalies in their embryos, so testing can boost the chance of a favorable outcome.
- Health history: Women who have experienced recurrent miscarriage or several unsuccessful IVF cycles could benefit from PGT.
- Timing: We biopsy the embryos on day 5, and then they are cryopreserved until the transfer. Because the test results can take several weeks, the transfer may not occur until a few months later.
Dr. Vandermolen is happy to speak with you about whether PGT is a good option for you, and he can answer any questions you may have. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic provider.