How Genetic Testing Improves IVF Success in India

In vitro fertilization, or IVF has assisted numerous couples in fulfilling their dream of becoming parents. However, it’s essential to understand that achieving success in IVF isn’t guaranteed every time. The main reason behind many unsuccessful IVF attempts is the occurrence of random genetic abnormalities in the embryos. In this blog, you’ll learn How Genetic Testing Improves IVF Success.

Challenges in Human Reproduction

Unfortunately, the process of human reproduction is not very efficient, and as we age, it becomes even less so. Since the introduction of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the early 1980s, efforts have been made to address these inefficiencies, resulting in significant improvements in pregnancy rates. One particularly groundbreaking advancement is preimplantation genetic testing.

Preimplantation genetic testing comes in two forms:

Testing for chromosomal abnormalities (PGT-A)
Testing for specific gene mutations (PGT-M)

IVF and Genetic Testing Simplified

In the IVF and genetic testing process, a couple follows the standard IVF cycle: eggs are collected, sperm is obtained, and embryos are created, growing to the blastocyst stage over five days. It’s important to know that not all fertilized embryos reach the blastocyst stage.

On the fifth day, a trophectoderm biopsy is done, involving the removal of a few cells from the part of the embryo that will become the placenta. These cells undergo genetic testing, and the embryos are then frozen. After receiving the genetic report, the frozen embryos can be transferred for a future attempt at pregnancy.

How Preimplantation Genetic Testing Boosts Success in IVF

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) is a helpful tool for couples undergoing IVF who want to screen their embryos for genetic issues that could lead to IVF failure. These genetic problems in the embryo are unrelated to the parent’s age and are often a significant factor in unsuccessful IVF cycles.

By identifying genetically normal embryos, known as euploid embryos, couples can enhance their chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. While success rates can vary among patients and clinics, implementing PGT-A generally increases pregnancy rates by 10-20%. It’s important to note that even with prescreened embryos, miscarriages can still occur.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Specific Genetic Conditions

Genetic testing goes beyond identifying random genetic errors. PGT-M is a technique used to screen for specific genetic mutations, like those causing cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy. These mutations are variations in a person’s DNA that can increase the risk of a particular disease in their children.

These disease-related mutations can be dominant, meaning a single gene from one parent can lead to clinical disease, or recessive, requiring both parents to carry and pass on the genetic mutation for their child to be affected. With dominant inheritance, there’s a 50% chance of the child having the disease, while with recessive inheritance, there’s a 25% chance of the child having the disease and a 50% chance of being a carrier.

PGT-M is recommended when an individual has a diagnosed hereditary disease, has had a child with such a diagnosis, has family members with a hereditary disease, or when both partners are carriers of a genetic disorder.

Additionally, Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR) is used to check for chromosomal translocations when one parent is identified as a carrier of such rearrangements.

Final Note

Wondering if both you and your partner might carry a disease? You can find out through genetic screening panels that are easily accessible and can be ordered by your healthcare provider.

At Ayushman Infertility, we offer all our patients the option of carrier screening during their initial visit. While it’s not mandatory, we strongly recommend considering carrier testing to increase the chances of the best possible outcome for your future children.

FAQs

Q: Can pre-implantation genetic testing enhance the success rate of IVF treatment?
A: Advanced preimplantation genetic testing significantly improves the success of IVF treatment. This process enables IVF specialists to select embryos with optimal chromosome numbers, thereby reducing the likelihood of miscarriages or complications.

Q: What risks are associated with preimplantation genetic testing in the context of IVF?
A: While the risks of preimplantation genetic testing during IVF are minimal due to technological advancements, there is a slight chance of embryo damage during the biopsy procedure for sample collection.

Q: What role does preimplantation genetic testing play in IVF and family planning?
A: Although preimplantation genetic testing isn’t mandatory for IVF, it comes highly recommended by experts. It provides detailed insights into embryo health through chromosomal analysis, contributing to a healthier pregnancy.

How Genetic Testing Improves IVF Success in India