Why PGT Is A Game-Changer
Pregnancy is an exciting time. With natural conception, most people are aware of the genetic testing which takes place around the end of the first trimester. Although typically mandatory for pregnancies in women ages 35 or older, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is optional for younger people. Still, genetic testing can be performed even before implantation, especially for people participating in assisted reproductive technology (ART) methods like in vitro fertilization (IVF). If IVF is in the cards, here’s some of the benefits of preimplantation genetic testing.
What is preimplantation genetic testing?
PGT is the specific type of screening performed when a person undergoes IVF. The process is different from the standard genetic carrier screening (GCS) performed during pregnancy. With GCS, usually healthcare providers will perform a blood draw and then look at the sample to determine if genetic defects or carrier genes are present for various diseases or conditions. With PGT, genetic testing or screening is completed during the IVF cycle after embryos have developed but before being transferred to the uterus.
Who is encouraged to undergo PGT?
In theory, any person undergoing IVF can have PGT performed. However, some people are considered at higher risk and are ideal candidates for testing. Specifically, people ages 37 and older, couples who already have a child with an inherited genetic disease, and individuals with a history of recurrent miscarriages linked to chromosomal abnormalities should have PGT.
1. A calmer pregnancy
For most people undergoing IVF, the idea that any other scenario could be more stressful than the 4-6 week timeframe around a typical cycle sounds ridiculous. However, getting pregnant is just half the battle. Any woman who has ever been pregnant will agree that passing milestones like the end of the first trimester, or 27 weeks when a baby can survive outside of the womb are major. PGT can help women and couples achieve just a little more peace by identifying if any of the embryos carry genetic defects and avoiding the use of the impacted items during the embryo transfer process.
2. The option of gender selection
Wanting to know the gender of the baby is an age old issue. With PGT, women and couples can preemptively learn which embryo is going to be a boy or a girl, and make a request for a specific gender if desired. Because PGT allows for technicians to see the sex chromosomes, participants have the option of preselecting the sex of a baby. Beyond cosmetic reasons, some couples may find that one gender is less likely to carry on genetic diseases, or create a more balanced family.
3. Determine if donor material is the best option
Women aren’t the only people who might have genetic abnormalities that can be passed down to offspring. Men can also be genetic carriers. Getting tested before beginning an IVF cycle can help a couple determine how successful the process will be as compared to using donor material. If the tests show that either one or both members of the couple may be more likely to experience complications due to genetics, couples can opt to use donor eggs or sperm.
Knowledge is power
Considering the expense associated with IVF, taking proactive measures to improve success rates is important. PGT is a useful tool for women and couples to understand the potential outcomes that might arise. Whether to screen against genetic conditions that might be passed down to future generations or to select a specific gender, being informed can help make the conception process easier.
