In addition to helping couples conceive through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), advances in reproductive medicine have increased the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. Preimplantation Genetic Testing, or PGT, is a cutting-edge method that enables medical professionals to check embryos for genetic defects prior to their transfer into the uterus.

PGT in IVF, to put it simply, is like giving nature a little scientific assistance by making sure that the embryos chosen for transfer have the best chance of becoming healthy offspring.

This article provides all the information you need to understand PGT, a potent IVF advanced screening technique, including what it is, how it operates, and who it is intended for.

What Is PGT in IVF?

One type of genetic testing that is done prior to IVF embryo transfer is called preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). It entails examining a small number of cells from IVF-created embryos to look for chromosomal or genetic abnormalities.

By identifying genetically normal embryos with the best chance of implantation and healthy growth, PGT aims to lower the baby’s risk of miscarriage, failed cycles, and hereditary illnesses.

To put it another way, PGT increases the likelihood of a genetically healthy child and the success rate of pregnancies by assisting fertility specialists in selecting the optimal embryo for transfer.

How Does PGT Work?

PGT takes place as part of the IVF process. Here’s how it works step by step:

IVF Cycle and Fertilization:
In a lab, the woman's eggs are extracted and fertilized with sperm. This produces several embryos.
Embryo Development:
Until the embryos reach the blastocyst stage, when cells have differentiated into distinct types, they are left to grow for roughly five to six days.
Biopsy:
Each blastocyst has a few cells carefully extracted for genetic examination. The embryo is not harmed by this process.
Genetic Testing:
The collected cells are delivered to a specialist facility where the embryo's genes or chromosomes are examined using cutting-edge genetic technology like Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
Embryo Selection and Transfer:
Only euploid (genotypically normal) embryos are chosen for uterine transfer following testing. You can freeze the remaining viable embryos for later use.

By ensuring that only the healthiest embryos are selected, this extra stage of IVF advanced screening enhances the overall result of IVF treatment.

Types of PGT

Depending on the sort of genetic data the doctor is seeking, there are various forms of PGT.

1. PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy)

The most frequent reason for IVF failure and miscarriages is aberrant chromosome counts, which are checked for by this test.

Only embryos with the appropriate number of chromosomes are chosen for transfer thanks to PGT-A.

2. PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders)

This kind checks for particular genetic illnesses that are inherited and handed down from one or both parents, like:

Couples who are carriers of recognized genetic disorders will find it very beneficial.

3. PGT-SR (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements)

PGT-SR identifies chromosomal structural abnormalities, such as translocations or deletions, that may result in birth malformations or miscarriages.

Who Needs PGT in IVF?

Not every couple getting IVF should use PGT. In certain situations where there is a greater chance of chromosomal or genetic problems, it is usually recommended.

Here’s who can benefit most from genetic testing before IVF:

1. Couples with Repeated IVF Failures

PGT can assist in determining whether chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos are the reason for implantation failure if you have unsuccessfully tried several IVF cycles.

2. Women Over 35 Years of Age

The likelihood of a woman generating eggs with chromosomal abnormalities increases with age. PGT increases older women’s chances of a successful pregnancy by ensuring that only chromosomally normal embryos are transplanted.

3. History of Miscarriages

Genetic defects in embryos are frequently the cause of repeated miscarriages. Pregnancy loss risk can be decreased by using PGT to identify such problems prior to implantation.

4. Known Genetic Disorders in the Family

PGT-M can stop an inherited genetic disease from being passed on to the unborn child if either spouse has it.

5. Previous Child with Genetic Disease

PGT can be used by couples who already have a kid with a genetic illness to guarantee that their subsequent pregnancies will not be impacted by the same condition.

6. Male Factor Infertility

Aberrant DNA in sperm can cause chromosomal problems in developing embryos. PGT assists in identifying genetically balanced, healthy embryos.

7. Using Donor Eggs or Sperm

By checking embryos for chromosomal and genetic integrity, PGT can provide an additional degree of assurance even in donor-assisted IVF.

Benefits of PGT in IVF

One of the most important developments in contemporary reproductive research is PGT. This is how it enhances the results of IVF:

Higher Success Rates

PGT raises the possibility of a healthy pregnancy and successful implantation by transferring only chromosomally normal embryos.

Reduced Risk of Miscarriage

Chromosome abnormalities are the cause of many miscarriages. By detecting and eliminating such embryos, PGT reduces this risk.

Healthier Babies

PGT gives parents peace of mind regarding the genetic well-being of their unborn child by lowering the likelihood of inherited disorders being passed on.

More Informed Decisions

By learning more about the health of their embryos, couples are better equipped to make decisions regarding their fertility journey.

Efficient Use of Embryos

PGT optimizes IVF cycles and cuts down on pointless operations by helping to prioritize embryos for freezing or transfer.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

PGT is a very accurate and dependable test, however it is not infallible. Among the important factors are:

PGT does not guarantee pregnancy — it only improves the chances.
It adds extra cost and time to the IVF process.
Rare mosaic embryos (with both normal and abnormal cells) can complicate interpretation.
It cannot detect all genetic diseases, only those tested for.

Based on your fertility profile and medical history, an IVF specialist will assist you in determining whether PGT is suitable.

Is PGT Right for You?

PGT in IVF may be the secret to increasing your chances of a healthy pregnancy if you’ve experienced repeated IVF failures, miscarriages, or have a family history of genetic problems.

Since each couple’s circumstances are different, choices about genetic testing prior to IVF should always be discussed with a trained fertility professional.

Conclusion

IVF has advanced beyond conception thanks to science, and it now helps families have healthier starts. The future of enhanced IVF screening is represented by PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing), which empowers couples to make safer, more informed reproductive decisions.

In addition to increasing the likelihood of conception, PGT shields future generations against heritable genetic illnesses by identifying the healthiest embryos prior to transfer.

Consult your fertility doctor about the possibility of including PGT in your treatment plan if you intend to use IVF.