BLOG ARTICLE
Infertility affects a significant number of couples worldwide, and finding the right treatment can be a daunting process. With advances in reproductive technology, several fertility treatments are available today. One of the most popular and effective methods is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). At Concept Fertility Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of fertility services, including the latest advancements in IVF treatments. As part of our commitment to providing personalized and effective care, we pride ourselves on continually exploring and integrating state-of-the-art techniques such as Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) into our IVF services.
PGT is a cutting-edge procedure that is performed during IVF. It tests embryos for genetic abnormalities before implanting them into the uterus, significantly reducing the risk of transferring embryos with genetic disorders. This not only increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy but also helps detect and prevent the transmission of certain inherited conditions such as Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis. It is also an essential tool to gauge the embryo's potential, as genetic abnormalities are a leading cause of implantation failure and miscarriage.
This article aims to provide a thorough understanding of Pre-implantation Genetic Testing, how it benefits couples undergoing IVF treatments, and its role in increasing the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy. Moreover, we will discuss the different types of PGT available, how the procedure is performed, and the potential risks involved. This guide will provide valuable information for those considering IVF treatment and seeking to maximize their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
At Concept Fertility Clinic, our team of experienced fertility specialists and embryologists are dedicated to offering a high level of care, combined with the latest technology, to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. By integrating PGT into our IVF treatments, we continue to provide the best possible solutions for our patients dealing with infertility.
As more couples and individuals turn to reproductive technologies such as IVF to build their families, it becomes increasingly important to provide the most efficient and effective treatments possible. One such treatment is Pre-implantation Genetic Testing or PGT, a procedure that has demonstrable advantages in increasing fertility success rates and ensuring healthier pregnancies. By understanding the full range of benefits offered by PGT, couples can make informed decisions about their fertility journey.
There are three main types of PGT that can be performed during IVF:
1. PGT-A (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): This is the most common type of PGT that tests for chromosomal abnormalities in the embryos, ensuring that those with the correct number of chromosomes are selected for implantation. Aneuploidy is a leading cause of miscarriages and implantation failure, and by using PGT-A, the chances of transferring a healthy embryo are significantly improved.
2. PGT-M (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/single gene disorders): Inherited conditions that result from a mutation in a single gene can be assessed using PGT-M. This helps identify embryos free of specific genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy, preventing the transmission of these conditions to the next generation.
3. PGT-SR (Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements): For couples with known chromosomal rearrangements such as translocations or inversions, PGT-SR can be performed to evaluate embryos for these structural abnormalities. This type of testing ensures that the selected embryos have a balanced chromosomal complement and reduces the risk of implantation failure.
The PGT process begins with standard IVF procedures, such as ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and fertilisation in the laboratory. Once the fertilised eggs develop into embryos, usually between day 5 and day 7, an embryologist carefully removes a small number of cells from each embryo through a safe method called trophectoderm biopsy. The obtained cells are then analysed to identify the presence of genetic abnormalities.
It is important to note that not all embryos are suitable for biopsy, as only those that have reached the appropriate stage of development can undergo the procedure. Additionally, not every embryo subjected to PGT is deemed suitable for implantation, as some may carry genetic abnormalities or chromosomal imbalances.
While PGT has numerous benefits, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks:
1. Mosaicism: In some instances, the removed cells may not represent the entire embryo, leading to a false positive or negative result. This phenomenon, known as mosaicism, occurs when some cells in the embryo have chromosomal abnormalities while others are normal. It can lead to misleading PGT results, although the chances of this occurring are rare.
2. Damage to the embryo: There is a slight risk of damage to the embryo during the biopsy process. However, with experienced embryologists performing the procedure in a controlled environment, this risk is minimised.
3. Decreased number of available embryos: As PGT involves genetic analysis of the embryos before transfer, fewer embryos may be available for implantation or cryopreservation (freezing for future use).
Pre-implantation Genetic Testing provides couples undergoing IVF treatment with valuable information to help ensure they are transferring only healthy embryos with a high chance of a successful pregnancy. By avoiding the transfer of embryos with genetic abnormalities, the likelihood of implantation failure or miscarriage is significantly reduced. PGT also allows couples the opportunity to prevent the transmission of specific genetic disorders to their children.
If you're looking for a fertility clinic in Perth, Concept Fertility and Day Hospital is your best choice. With a wide range of services, including pre-implantation genetic testing, they provide the most comprehensive fertility treatments in WA. Contact Concept Fertility and Day Hospital today to start your journey towards parenthood.