In terms of fertility treatments, it has been seen that with the help of better medical technology, the possibility of conception for most couples has gone up. Genetic testing gives important information about the embryos before their implantation into the uterus.
This blog will explain how genetic testing works in the IVF process, and why genetic testing has become a part of the couple’s IVF process. In case you need professional assistance, travel to an IVF Test Center in Kolkata, and learn your possibilities.
What does IVF Genetic Testing Mean?
There are two common types of genetic testing used in IVF:
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Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A):
This test checks for the numerical abnormality of chromosomes, that is, extra or missing chromosomes, which may lead to conditions like Down syndrome or may lead to a miscarriage. -
Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M):
This test is conducted to identify certain genetic disorders that the parents may have recessive genes for cystic fibrosis, Tay-sack disease or sickle cell anaemia.
Why is genetic testing important?
- Increased Success Rates: Genetic testing of the embryos increases the chances of IVF. This makes the chance of pregnancy to be high and at the same time minimizes the possibility of having a miscarriage. Genetic testing could be suggested by a qualified gynaecologist/andrologist in a test-tube baby and infertility clinic in Kolkata.
- Prevents Genetic Disorders: The couples who have a family history of certain genetic diseases, genetic testing is useful in predicting and eliminating embryos which may be affected by such genes. It also minimises the possibility of transmitting these disorders to the next generation.
- Minimises Cases of Multiple Pregnancies: During IVF several embryos are normally transferred in the uterus to ensure that at least one will hatch. However, through genetic testing, medical practitioners can transplant one healthy embryo, hence avoiding multiple transplants and the risk associated with twin or triplet pregnancies.
Who should consider the genetic testing?
- Couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages
- Women who are more than 35 years old.
- IVF cycles which have been attempted in the past and were not successful
- People with a family antecedent with a genetic disease
- Couples who are using donor eggs, or donor sperm
Understanding the process of Genetic Testing in IVF
- Ovarian Stimulation: The first process that takes place in IVF is ‘Coicking or ovarian hyperstimulation’, in this stage, the ovaries are ‘encouraged’ to produce several eggs. These eggs are then collected and fertilized with sperm in techniques that are referred to as in vitro fertilization.
- Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs then become embryos and are watched over the next few days after this process is done. On day 5 or 6, several cells from the embryos are sampled for analysis and genetic profiling purposes.
- Testing the Embryos: The obtained biopsy cells are then tested for chromosomal disorders or any special genetic disorder depending on the test conducted. The fertility specialists can diagnose healthy embryos and the results are communicated to the couple.
- Embryo Transfer: After a healthy embryo has been chosen it is placed in the uterus area. Genetic testing thus ensures that a particular embryo chosen for implantation has the maximum potential to develop into a healthy fetus. That improves the chances of conception.
- Follow-up and Pregnancy Test: A pregnancy test is also done a few days after the transfer to check whether the implantation was successful or not.
It becomes important that one select a good fertility clinic when going for genetic testing for IVF treatment. An effective and leading IVF Test Center in Kolkata will serve genetic testing with affordable packages of treatment. Dr Biplab Deb is an IVF specialist who focuses on the requirements of the patients while using innovative technologies to make the treatments as effective as possible.
Get in touch with Dr. Biplab Deb to open the doors to parenthood, call us today. If you want to book an appointment click …