An Overview of Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT): Ensuring Genetic Health in Fertility | Aspire Fertility

In the realm of fertility treatments, Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) have emerged as vital tools in ensuring genetic health. This blog post by Aspire Fertility provides a comprehensive overview of PGS and PGT, shedding light on their significance, benefits, and potential outcomes. Understanding the role and potential outcomes of PGS and PGT can help prospective parents make informed decisions about their fertility journey.

What is Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)?

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is a procedure that involves evaluating embryos created through fertility treatments for chromosomal abnormalities. By analyzing the genetic composition of the embryos before implantation, PGS helps identify the healthiest embryos for transfer. This screening technique enhances the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduces the risk of genetic disorders in offspring.

Understanding Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) encompasses a broader range of genetic tests performed on embryos during fertility treatments. In addition to chromosomal screening (PGS), PGT includes testing for specific genetic disorders. This comprehensive testing approach provides valuable insights into the genetic health of embryos, enabling prospective parents to make informed decisions about embryo selection.

The Significance of PGS and PGT in Fertility Treatments

PGS and PGT play a crucial role in fertility treatments by ensuring genetic health. These procedures offer several benefits, including:

Reducing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities: PGS helps identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, reducing the likelihood of implanting embryos that may result in miscarriage or failed pregnancies.

Increasing pregnancy success rates: By selecting genetically healthy embryos for transfer, PGS and PGT enhance the chances of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby.

Reducing the risk of passing on genetic disorders: PGT enables the identification of specific genetic disorders in embryos, allowing prospective parents to make informed decisions regarding the transfer of genetically affected embryos.

Providing peace of mind: The knowledge gained through PGS and PGT offers reassurance and peace of mind to prospective parents, knowing that they are making informed decisions based on the genetic health of their embryos.

Benefits and Potential Outcomes

Incorporating PGS and PGT into fertility treatments can yield various positive outcomes, including:

Improved implantation rates: By selecting the healthiest embryos for transfer, PGS and PGT increase the chances of successful implantation and subsequent pregnancy.

Reduced miscarriage rates: Identifying embryos with chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders through PGS and PGT helps reduce the incidence of miscarriage, leading to higher pregnancy success rates.

Enhanced family planning: PGS and PGT provide prospective parents with valuable information about the genetic health of their embryos, enabling them to make decisions aligned with their family planning goals.

Optimal use of fertility treatment resources: By identifying the most viable embryos, PGS and PGT help optimize the use of resources and increase the overall efficiency of fertility treatments.

Who is Recommended to Have PGS?

PGS is recommended for individuals or couples who may have an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities or genetic disorders. This includes individuals:

Advanced maternal age: Women above the age of 35 have a higher risk of producing embryos with chromosomal abnormalities.

Recurrent miscarriages: Couples who have experienced multiple miscarriages may benefit from PGS to identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities that may be contributing to the miscarriages.

Previous unsuccessful IVF cycles: PGS can be used to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities to improve the success rates of subsequent IVF cycles.

Known genetic disorders: Individuals or couples with a known genetic disorder can use PGS to identify embryos without the specific genetic mutation.

Steps Involved in Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

PGT typically involves the following steps:

Ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved for fertilization.

In vitro fertilization (IVF): The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting, creating embryos.

Embryo development and biopsy: The embryos are allowed to develop in the laboratory for a few days, after which a small sample of cells is extracted from each embryo for genetic testing.

Genetic testing: The extracted cells undergo genetic analysis to determine the chromosomal status or detect specific genetic disorders.

Embryo selection and transfer: Based on the genetic testing results, the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer into the woman’s uterus, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) and Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) are invaluable tools in the realm of fertility treatments. By providing insights into the genetic health of embryos, these procedures enhance pregnancy success rates, reduce the risk of genetic disorders, and offer a personalized and proactive approach to fertility treatments. If you’re considering fertility treatments, consult with the expert team at Aspire Fertility to explore the potential benefits of PGS and PGT in your journey towards parenthood.

Contact Aspire Fertility to schedule a consultation and learn more about the role of PGS and PGT in your fertility treatment journey.