Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) is a procedure that screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before they are implanted in the uterus. Aneuploidy is a condition in which a cell has an incorrect number of chromosomes. This can lead to miscarriage, birth defects, and other health problems.
PGT-A is a relatively new procedure, but it has been shown to improve the success rates of
IVF and reduce the risk of miscarriage. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to PGT-A, such as the cost, the risk of false positives and negatives, and the ethical concerns.
PGT-A is usually performed on embryos that have been created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the woman's ovaries and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then tested for chromosomal abnormalities.
The Goals of PGT-A
The goal of PGT-A is to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. By transferring only embryos that are chromosomally normal, PGT-A can help to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
PGT-A can also help to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. When multiple embryos are transferred, there is a higher risk of twins or triplets. These pregnancies can be high-risk for both the mother and the babies. PGT-A can help to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies by only transferring one embryo at a time.
The Pros of PGT-A
There are several potential benefits to PGT-A, including:
PGT-A can improve the success rates of IVF by up to 50%. This is because PGT-A allows doctors to transfer only embryos that are chromosomally normal, which are more likely to implant and result in a pregnancy.
Chromosomal abnormalities are present in about 50% of embryos created through IVF. These abnormalities can prevent an embryo from implanting or can lead to miscarriage. By screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, PGT-A can help to identify the embryos that are most likely to be successful.
Reduced Miscarriage Rates:
PGT-A can also help to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Studies have shown that the miscarriage rate is lower for women who have undergone PGT-A than for women who have not.
Miscarriage is a common occurrence, affecting about 1 in 4 pregnancies. However, the risk of miscarriage is higher for women who have chromosomal abnormalities in their embryos. By screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities, PGT-A can help to reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Potential To Decrease Time To Pregnancy:
By transferring only healthy embryos, PGT-A may help to decrease the time it takes to achieve a pregnancy. This is because couples who undergo PGT-A are more likely to have a successful pregnancy with their first IVF cycle.
Informed Decisions:
PGT-A can help couples make informed decisions about their fertility treatments. By knowing the chromosomal status of their embryos, couples can decide which embryos to transfer and which embryos to discard.
This information can be especially helpful for couples who have experienced repeated miscarriages or who have other fertility challenges. PGT-A can help couples to understand their chances of success and to make the best decisions for their family.
Reduction In Multiple Pregnancies:
PGT-A can help to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies. When only one embryo is transferred, the risk of twins or triplets is significantly reduced.
Multiple pregnancies can be high-risk for both the mother and the babies. They can also lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and other health problems. By reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies, PGT-A can help to improve the health of mothers and babies.
Overall, PGT-A is a promising procedure that can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. However, it is important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully before making a decision about whether or not to undergo the procedure.
The Cons of PGT-A
While there are several potential benefits to PGT-A, there are also some potential drawbacks, including:
Not a guarantee: PGT-A is not a guarantee of a successful pregnancy. Even if all of the embryos are chromosomally normal, there is still a chance that the pregnancy will not be successful.
Potential for false positives and negatives: Like all tests, PGT-A is not perfect. There is a small chance for false positives and negatives. This means that some healthy embryos may be discarded, or abnormal embryos may be implanted.
Added cost: PGT-A is an additional cost on top of IVF treatments. The cost of PGT-A can vary depending on the clinic and the type of testing that is done.
Ethical concerns: Some people have ethical concerns about PGT-A. They may worry about "playing God" or discarding embryos.
Emotional impact: Knowing about chromosomal abnormalities can be emotionally difficult for some people. They may have to make difficult decisions about which embryos to transfer or discard.
PGT-A and Personal Choice
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to undergo PGT-A is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best decision for one couple may not be the best decision for another couple.
Couples who are considering PGT-A should weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully. They should also talk to their doctor about their individual circumstances and decide what is best for them.
PGT-A at Audubon Fertility Clinic
Audubon Fertility Clinic offers PGT-A as part of their IVF services. The clinic has a team of experienced doctors and nurses who can help couples understand the procedure and make an informed decision
Audubon Fertility Clinic believes that PGT-A is a valuable tool that can help couples improve their chances of a successful pregnancy. The clinic has a high success rate with PGT-A, and many patients have shared their stories about how the procedure helped them to achieve their dream of parenthood.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to undergo PGT-A is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best decision for one couple may not be the best decision for another couple.
Couples who are considering PGT-A should weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks carefully. They should also talk to their doctor about their individual circumstances and decide what is best for them.