For couples embarking on an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) journey, the ultimate hope is to bring home a healthy baby as quickly and safely as possible. Yet, one of the most painful hurdles in reproductive medicine is experiencing a failed embryo transfer or a miscarriage after finally achieving a positive pregnancy test.
Many patients ask me, "If the embryo looked perfect under the microscope, why did the transfer fail?" The answer lies in the genetic makeup of the embryo.
As a senior IVF specialist with over 25 years of experience practicing in Koramangala and Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, I advocate for the integration of PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) to screen embryos before transfer. Let's explore the science behind PGT-A and how it can help you maximize your success rates.
What is PGT-A Testing?
PGT-A, formerly known as PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening), is a state-of-the-art laboratory technique used to analyze the chromosomal health of embryos created through IVF.
Normally, a healthy human cell contains 46 chromosomes (23 pairs inherited from each parent). An embryo with the correct number of chromosomes is referred to as euploid. An embryo with an abnormal number of chromosomes (either missing or extra) is called aneuploid.
Chromosomal abnormalities are the primary cause of implantation failure, early miscarriages, and genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21). PGT-A allows us to identify and select only genetically balanced (euploid) embryos for transfer, significantly increasing the likelihood of a healthy live birth.
How is PGT-A Performed in the Lab?
The PGT-A process is highly precise and requires advanced embryological infrastructure:
- Blastocyst Culture (Day 5/6): Embryos are cultured in our state-of-the-art laboratory until they reach the blastocyst stage, consisting of about 100-150 cells.
- Laser Biopsy: A highly skilled embryologist uses a precision laser to gently remove a small sample of 5 to 10 cells from the outer layer of the blastocyst (the trophectoderm), which eventually forms the placenta. The inner cell mass, which forms the actual baby, is left completely untouched.
- Embryo Freezing (Cryopreservation): While the biopsied cells are sent to a specialized genetics lab for Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis, the embryos are safely frozen (vitrified) at our clinic.
- Embryo Selection: Once we receive the genetic report, we prepare the mother's uterus for a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) using only the chromosomal-normal embryos.
Did You Know?
Aneuploidy is incredibly common, and its frequency rises with maternal age. Even in young women under 35, up to 30% of blastocysts can be chromosomally abnormal. For women over 40, that number can exceed 70% to 80%—explaining why age-related fertility decline is primarily a genetic issue rather than a structural one.
Key Benefits of PGT-A for Your Fertility Journey
Integrating genetic testing offers several clinical advantages:
1. Higher Success Rate Per Transfer
By transferring only genetically normal embryos, we bypass the major cause of implantation failure. This leads to a significantly higher pregnancy rate per individual transfer.
2. Reduced Risk of Miscarriages
Most first-trimester miscarriages are the body's natural response to severe chromosomal abnormalities. Selecting euploid embryos reduces the clinical miscarriage rate to less than 10%.
3. Shorter Time to Pregnancy
Instead of undergoing multiple transfers with abnormal embryos that result in negative results or miscarriages, PGT-A allows us to pick the right embryo first, saving precious time and emotional stress.
4. Confidence in Single Embryo Transfer (SET)
Because we are confident in the genetic health of the selected embryo, we can perform a Single Embryo Transfer. This completely avoids the risks associated with multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets) for both mother and babies.
Who Should Consider PGT-A?
While PGT-A can benefit anyone undergoing IVF, it is highly recommended for:
- Women aged 35 or older (Advanced Maternal Age)
- Couples with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (two or more miscarriages)
- Patients who have experienced unexplained IVF failures previously
- Couples wishing to minimize the risk of chromosomal disorders
Making an Informed Decision
Every fertility journey is unique, and adding PGT-A is a decision that should be discussed in detail with your fertility specialist. By combining cutting-edge genetic science with personalized clinical care at Nova IVF Fertility, we strive to make your path to parenthood safer, faster, and more certain.