The Test That Reveals All
Anyone with significant difficulties getting pregnant or hoping to delay family planning can consider in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing. These strategies, while effective, can benefit from additional information via genetic testing. A fertility specialist can use genetic testing to screen embryos or eggs for chromosomal abnormalities before proceeding with implantation or egg freezing. These tests are not mandatory for a successful IVF cycle. However, there are some additional benefits to consider.

How is genetic testing performed?
Before IVF or egg freezing, cells are extracted and analyzed for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities. During IVF, this process is called preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and occurs when the embryo is at the blastocyst stage. After 5-6 days, a few cells are removed from the outer layer. The embryos that are deemed normal can be used for IVF or freezing. A similar process occurs when eggs are extracted from the ovaries for cryopreservation. A group of cells called the polar body is removed for testing. Genetic testing is done via complex technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or sequencing. Here are 3 benefits to consider genetic testing.
1. Detecting genetic disorders
Genetic testing is ideal for the identification of specific genetic disorders. Some patients are aware of a family trait, or an individual undergoing IVF has a known genetic condition. Genetic testing can identify Down’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and several other gene mutations. The test identifies if embryos or eggs are at risk, enabling prospective parents to make informed decisions about passing the condition onto the future child. Genetic testing reduces the burden both child and parent will face while preventing the transmission of a serious genetic disease.
2. Increasing pregnancy success
IVF success rates and egg quality decline in older patients. By identifying the most viable embryos or eggs, genetic testing increases the chances of successful pregnancy. Chromosomal abnormalities are a leading cause of implantation failure, miscarriage, and failed IVF cycles. Genetic testing can point out the embryos with the correct number of chromosomes and have the highest likelihood of pregnancy. This strategy is also ideal for repeated IVF failures. Some fertility clinics also use genetic testing for single embryo transfer. Using a single embryo per IVF cycle minimizes the risk of multiples while maintaining high success rates.
3. Saving you time and money
The IVF process and egg-freezing process can be long and emotionally taxing. Multiple IVF cycles can increase the cost of treatment. While genetic testing does garner an additional cost, the long-term benefits and savings cannot be underestimated. Genetic testing identifies the best eggs and embryos early in the process. This helps patients avoid unnecessary IVF cycles with non-viable embryos while cutting down on medical costs and procedures. Egg freezing can also save time and money. Genetic tests ensure that the best eggs are in storage, reducing overall costs. The best eggs also help women make sound decisions that reduce the likelihood of miscarriages or pregnancy loss.
The test you won’t want to miss
Genetic testing is an innovative step in the assisted reproduction process. The information and insight can be invaluable for potential parents. The result is minimizing the risk of genetic conditions, increasing pregnancy rates, and saving valuable resources. There are risks associated with genetic testing. However, the fertility team will work to reduce damage to the reproductive material. Genetic testing may be instrumental in the fertility journey, especially for those with multiple failed attempts to get pregnant. Consider factors such as age, medical history, and family planning goals before choosing genetic testing.