IVF Genetic Testing: What Are The Pros and Cons You Should Know?

Every fertility journey starts with hope, but it also comes with a lot of choices. At Audubon Fertility, we’ve walked alongside countless individuals and couples trying to grow their families, and we know just how overwhelming the process can feel. One of the most important tools shaping modern fertility care today is IVF genetic testing, a scientific breakthrough that gives us the ability to look deeper into embryo health before implantation. For many, it’s a game-changer. It can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy, reduce the risk of genetic conditions, and offer much-needed peace of mind during an already emotional journey.

But like any powerful tool, IVF genetic testing also brings up questions. Is it worth the cost? Will it work for you? What happens if the results aren’t what you expected? These are real, valid concerns, and we’re here to help you sort through them. Our goal isn’t just to offer testing. It’s to help you make informed, confident decisions that reflect your values, your goals, and your path to parenthood. This process isn’t just medical, it’s personal. And you deserve guidance that honors both.

What is IVF Genetic Testing?

When we talk about IVF genetic testing, we’re referring to preimplantation genetic testing, or PGT. This process allows us to examine embryos created through IVF before we transfer them into the uterus. The goal is to identify any genetic or chromosomal issues that could affect embryo development, implantation, or pregnancy outcomes. There are three main types of PGT. The most commonly used is PGT-A, which checks for aneuploidy, which means it looks for the correct number of chromosomes. Having too few or too many chromosomes can result in conditions like Down syndrome or lead to miscarriage. Then there’s PGT-M, which looks for specific inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s disease. If you or your partner are known carriers of certain genetic conditions, this test helps us identify which embryos are unaffected. Lastly, PGT-SR is used for patients with known chromosomal rearrangements. If you’ve been told you carry a balanced translocation or other structural change in your chromosomes, PGT-SR helps assess risk and select healthy embryos for transfer. All these forms of testing happen before implantation, giving you more insight as you decide which embryo to transfer.

How Genetic Testing Fits Into the IVF Process?

Once we’ve retrieved eggs and fertilized them with sperm in our lab, we monitor the embryos for several days. Around day five or six, the embryos reach what’s called the blastocyst stage. At this point, we can perform a biopsy, removing just a few cells from the embryo’s outer layer, which would eventually become the placenta, not the fetus. This tiny biopsy gives us enough genetic material to run advanced screening tests. After the biopsy, the embryo is cryopreserved (frozen) while we wait for results. 

The testing itself is done by a specialized genetics lab that analyzes the chromosomes or gene patterns, depending on the type of PGT requested. When results come back, we meet with you to go over everything, what’s normal, what’s not, and which embryos are suitable for transfer. We then schedule a frozen embryo transfer using the healthiest embryo identified. For many of our patients, this process provides confidence, clarity, and a more strategic path toward pregnancy. And as always, we’re with you at every step to answer questions and support your decisions.

What Are the Benefits of IVF Genetic Testing?

One of the clearest advantages of IVF genetic testing is the increased likelihood of transferring a chromosomally normal embryo. Embryos with the correct number of chromosomes are more likely to implant successfully, develop properly, and result in a healthy baby. This can reduce the chances of miscarriage, which is especially important for patients who have experienced previous losses. 

Another benefit is the ability to avoid passing on known genetic diseases. If you or your partner are carriers of a genetic condition, we can use PGT-M to identify embryos that are unaffected. This kind of insight is invaluable for families with a history of inherited illness; it lets you move forward with more peace of mind. We also see improved IVF success rates with testing, particularly for patients over 35, those with a history of failed IVF, or when male factor infertility is involved. When we transfer an embryo that’s been genetically screened and cleared, the chances of a positive outcome go up. And perhaps one of the most important pros is emotional. Many patients feel better knowing they’ve done everything they can to set themselves up for success. That confidence is powerful, and we see it reflected in how our patients approach each phase of treatment.

What Should You Consider Before Opting for Testing?

Despite the benefits, IVF genetic testing isn’t without drawbacks. First, there’s the cost. PGT adds several thousand dollars to an already expensive IVF cycle, which can put it out of reach for some families. While some insurance plans may cover part of the testing, many do not. We always talk through financial options and help you explore grants or payment plans if needed. Another consideration is that genetic testing doesn’t guarantee success. A chromosomally normal embryo still may not implant or may not result in a live birth. Other factors, such as the uterine environment

Testing simply helps us stack the odds in your favor. It’s also important to know that some patients have fewer embryos after testing. In cases where many embryos are genetically abnormal, we may be left with just one or two viable options. For patients with low egg counts or advanced age, this can be a tough reality to face. Lastly, there are emotional and ethical concerns for some. Choosing embryos based on genetic results can be emotionally taxing, especially when good-quality embryos are excluded. We encourage open conversations about what these decisions mean for you, and we provide counseling and support resources if you're feeling unsure or overwhelmed.

Who Might Benefit the Most from Genetic Testing?

We generally recommend IVF genetic testing for specific groups of patients who may benefit the most. If you’re over 35, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities increases, so PGT-A can help ensure we’re selecting the healthiest embryos. For couples who’ve had multiple miscarriages, failed IVF cycles, or who’ve been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, genetic testing can often reveal an underlying cause and offer a new path forward. 

If you or your partner are known carriers of genetic diseases, PGT-M provides a way to prevent those conditions from being passed down. For patients with a family history of conditions like Tay-Sachs, sickle cell disease, or Fragile X syndrome, this kind of testing offers meaningful protection. We also use genetic testing in cases of male factor infertility or when a parent carries a chromosomal rearrangement. These issues can sometimes affect embryo development, and testing allows us to avoid transferring embryos that are unlikely to result in pregnancy. That said, not every patient needs genetic testing. If you’re younger, have no known risks, and are producing many good-quality embryos, testing may not be essential. We’ll talk with you in detail about your individual circumstances and help you weigh the pros and cons. Our care is always tailored to your needs, not just standard protocol.

Partnering With the Right Clinic Makes All the Difference

At Audubon Fertility, we know that fertility care is about more than just medicine; it’s about trust, clarity, and feeling genuinely supported throughout your journey. That’s why we offer comprehensive IVF services that include genetic testing options, paired with detailed counseling and honest conversations. We don’t believe in pushing testing where it’s not needed. Instead, we provide clear, compassionate guidance so you can make decisions that reflect your goals and values. If testing is right for you, we’ll walk you through every detail, from what to expect in your lab results to how we’ll plan your frozen embryo transfer. And if it’s not the right time, we’ll support that too. Every family has a different path, and our job is to help you find yours.

We also understand that genetic testing can bring up difficult emotions, from anxiety about the results to concerns about cost or embryo availability. That’s why we offer more than clinical care; we offer emotional support, financial counseling, and a dedicated team that treats you like a person, not a chart. Whether you’re navigating your first IVF cycle or exploring your next step after previous challenges, we’re here to stand beside you.

If you’re thinking about IVF genetic testing and want to learn more about your options, we invite you to reach out. Let’s talk through your questions, your hopes, and your goals for growing your family.

Visit Audubon Fertility to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll make thoughtful, informed choices, so you can take your next step with clarity and confidence.