Dr. Umma Salma

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Infertility Treatment Methods

PGT

PGT preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A. PGT-SR, PGT-M) is a diagnostic method which, in connection with the IVF cycle, allows one to test some genetic properties of the embryos prior to their transfer into the uterus. 5-10 cells are gently removed from a 5-day or 6-day-old embryo and subjected to genetic analysis. The embryos are frozen on the day of cell collection. An embryo with a normal genetic status is then prepared for KET (kryo embryo transfer). This procedure causes no harm to the embryos.

Preimplantation genetic testing of aneuploidies (PGT-A) makes it possible to detect, in particular, acquired or inherited variations in the number or structure of the chromosomes. These abnormalities are often associated with miscarriages.

Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M) can detect changes (mutations) in individual genes associated with a specific inherited disease that has already occurred in the family.

The PGT method is especially recommended for couples where:

  • The female partner’s age is older than 35 years, which increases the probability of giving birth to a child with an abnormal number of chromosomes (eg Down’s syndrome).

  • A miscarriage or birth of a fetus with a chromosomal disorder has already occurred.

  • There are repeated failures in IVF treatment or repeated miscarriages in early pregnancy.

  • Chromosome rearrangement was detected cytogenetically in one of the partners. Although the individual itself is not clearly affected, this rearrangement may result in the formation of germ cells (eggs or sperm) with abnormal genetic makeup and the transmission of the defect to offspring.

  • There is a so-called gender-related disease in the family (the disease only affects male individuals, but is genetically transmitted by women – such as hemophilia).

  • One of the partners has undergone or is undergoing some type of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Should I see a gynaecologist or an infertility specialist?

Preimplantation genetic testing cannot fully guarantee the selection of an embryo that has no defect. This is due to the principle of the method, where it is possible to examine only a certain spectrum of abnormalities by which the embryos of a given pair are most endangered. Nor can it guarantee the success of an IVF program, ie the implantation of an embryo after transfer to the uterus and the onset of pregnancy. It cannot guarantee the birth of a healthy child. All this is influenced by a large number of other factors.