Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing Recommended for All IVF Couples?
Pre-implantation Genetic Testing is considered the breakthrough invention of fertility treatments, as it enables checking the embryos for genetic defects before implantation. But is this test necessary for every couple undergoing IVF? Let's understand that more in this blog.
What is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?
PGT is a specialized test performed on embryos during an IVF cycle before transferring them into the uterus. It helps in the detection of chromosomal abnormalities and makes sure that only the most viable and healthy embryos are selected for transfer. This can reduce the risk of miscarriage and Failure of IVF, as well as reduce the possibility of genetic disorders.
With the rapid improvements in IVF technology, embryo screening has become a part of most fertility treatments nowadays. According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), approximately 2.5 lakh IVF cycles are performed each year in India. Especially, the demand for PGT has grown in cases where couples have repeated miscarriages or known genetic risks.
How does PGT help?
Atypical embryo genetics are considered one of the most common reasons an embryo transfer does not result in a pregnancy. PGT can decrease the chances of an unsuccessful IVF cycle or miscarriage by making sure the embryo transferred has the correct number of chromosomes.
Who are the good candidates for PGT?
People over 37 years of age, because natural reproductive ageing increases the chance of abnormal embryo genetics.
Couples at risk of having a child affected with an inherited genetic disease.
Women who have had successive miscarriages due to genetic issues.
Advantages of Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Higher success rates for IVF
The selection of chromosomally normal embryos by PGT can significantly increase the chances of successful implantation, hence leading to a faster route to pregnancy and fewer IVF treatments.
Genetic disease identification
The use of PGT allows for screening of embryos against specific genetic abnormalities possibly existing in the parents and that the child would have otherwise inherited.
Customized IVF procedures
PGT can enable fertility experts to tailor IVF treatment in order to achieve greater success for couples with repeated IVF failures by detecting chromosomal abnormalities.
Disadvantages of Preimplantation Genetic Testing
Financial burden
PGT is an added cost on top of IVF itself. Given that there are so many types of insurance and most do not reimburse this procedure, couples must bear the full cost.
The risk to the embryo
If not performed with much care, the embryos may get damaged during the biopsy procedure involved in PGT; this may affect their viability. Though minimal, this is something that the couple must be aware of.
Emotional and Psychological impact
Undergoing PGT, awaiting results, and dealing with the consequences is a mentally and emotionally exhaustive process. Couples may feel a lot of anxiety and stress, especially in cases where the results may be negative or inconclusive.
Conclusion
The decision for preimplantation genetic testing is an individual one that depends on each couple's unique situation with IVF. In cases of a family history of genetic diseases, repeated miscarriages, or advanced maternal age, testing the embryos can greatly improve IVF success and boost the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Vriksh Fertility guides you through these big decisions with expert care and support. If you are considering PGT, please connect with our team to understand whether this advanced technology is suitable for your IVF journey. Taking an informed decision is the first step towards achieving a successful and joyful parenthood experience.
