When going through IVF, it’s natural to want to give yourself the best possible chance of success. One option that might come up during your treatment plan is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), which is a procedure that screens embryos for genetic conditions or chromosomal issues before transfer. It sounds promising, but it also raises big questions: Is it necessary? Is it safe? Will it actually improve your chances?
In this article, we’ll break down what PGT is, why some patients choose it, and what you should consider before making a decision. Our goal is to help you understand the facts, so you feel confident discussing your options with your doctor.
What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a type of screening used during IVF to examine embryos for genetic issues before they’re transferred into the uterus. During this process, a few cells are gently removed from an embryo at the blastocyst stage (usually Day 5 or 6) and tested in a lab. The goal is to identify embryos that have a normal set of chromosomes or are free from certain inherited conditions, offering patients more information before making a transfer decision.
What Are the Types of PGT?
- PGT-A (for Aneuploidy): Looks for embryos with the correct number of chromosomes. This can help reduce the risk of miscarriage or failed implantation.
- PGT-M (for Monogenic diseases): Used when one or both parents carry a specific genetic condition, like cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs.
- PGT-SR (for Structural Rearrangements): Screens for inherited chromosome rearrangements that may lead to embryo loss or developmental issues.
PGT doesn’t change or treat embryos. It simply provides additional insight that can guide the next steps of your IVF cycle.
What Are the Potential Benefits of PGT?
For many patients, PGT offers a way to better understand embryo health before transfer. One of its main benefits is identifying embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, those most likely to result in a healthy pregnancy. This can be especially helpful for people who have experienced miscarriages or unsuccessful IVF cycles.
PGT may also help reduce the risk of passing on inherited genetic conditions and can increase the chances of success on the first embryo transfer. In some cases, it can shorten the overall time to pregnancy by helping clinics select embryos that are more likely to implant successfully.
Common Situations Where PGT is Recommended
PGT isn’t necessary for every IVF patient, but it can be particularly useful in certain situations:
- Patients aged 35 or older, where the risk of chromosomal issues increases with age
- Couples with a family history of genetic conditions
- Individuals who have had two or more miscarriages or multiple failed IVF cycles
- Cases of severe male factor infertility, where DNA fragmentation may be a concern
What Are the Limitations or Risks of PGT?
While PGT can offer helpful insights, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t guarantee pregnancy or a healthy baby. It only screens for certain genetic conditions or chromosome counts, other health issues may still arise later in pregnancy or after birth. Also, not every embryo survives the biopsy or freezing and thawing process, though risks are low when performed by experienced embryologists.
In rare cases, embryos that might have developed into healthy pregnancies are screened out due to false positives or inconclusive results. This is why it’s essential to discuss all outcomes with your care team before making a decision.
Emotional and Financial Considerations
PGT adds extra cost to IVF treatment, and prices vary between clinics. Some couples may also feel overwhelmed by the amount of information PGT provides, or unsure how to act on the results. Choosing whether or not to proceed with PGT is personal, and it’s okay to take time to weigh your comfort level with the process and what it may reveal.
What Does the Research Say About PGT?
PGT has been studied widely, and while results vary, research generally shows it can be beneficial, especially for specific groups of patients.
PGT-A and Older Patients: Studies suggest that PGT-A (testing for chromosomal count) may improve outcomes in women aged 35 and over by helping select embryos with the best chance of implantation and reducing miscarriage risk.
PGT in Recurrent IVF Failure or Miscarriage: PGT can help identify issues that might not be visible during standard embryo assessment, offering clarity in cases where previous transfers have failed without a clear cause.
Younger Couples: For younger patients with good-quality embryos and no known genetic concerns, the benefits of PGT may be less clear. Some research shows limited improvement in live birth rates for this group.
Ongoing studies continue to explore how PGT impacts long-term outcomes, including overall pregnancy success and health of the child. That’s why conversations with your fertility specialist are so important, as they can guide you through the research as it applies to your specific case.
Is PGT Right for You?
Questions to Ask Yourself (or Your Doctor)
Deciding whether or not to do PGT isn’t always straightforward. It helps to ask a few key questions:
- Am I at higher risk for genetic or chromosomal issues based on age or family history?
- Have I had multiple miscarriages or failed IVF cycles?
- How do I feel about learning detailed genetic information about each embryo?
- Would fewer embryos after testing affect how I feel about the cycle?
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family Plan
PGT can offer valuable insight, especially for patients facing certain risks or challenges in their IVF journey. It may improve the chances of a successful transfer and reduce the likelihood of miscarriage, though it also comes with added costs, emotional considerations, and isn’t necessary for everyone.
If you’re exploring IVF and wondering whether PGT makes sense for you, our team provides advanced genetic testing to help you make informed decisions about your family planning journey. At Bangkok Central Clinic, we take time to understand your unique goals and medical history so we can help you make decisions that feel right, both clinically and emotionally. We’re here to support you with clarity, compassion, and care.
