The Role of Genetic Testing in The Woodlands IVF
Through the remarkable technology of IVF, it’s possible to grow your family even if traditional methods fail. The Woodlands IVF further increases your chances of a healthy baby through the process of genetic testing. HART Fertility is committed to helping your family blossom through our assisted reproduction services. Learn more about genetic testing and what you can expect in your fertility journey.
What Is PGT?
Preimplantation genetic testing is a technique used to screen healthy embryos from unhealthy ones. PGT gives you a better chance of a successful pregnancy, as only healthy embryos are implanted into the surrogate or intended mother. PGT screens for hereditary illnesses that will otherwise be passed on to the baby. It is an important step we take in our the Woodlands fertility clinic, allowing us to have pregnancy rates consistently higher than the national average.
How Does It Work?
In the standard process of North Houston IVF, eggs are harvested from the intended mother and fertilized with donor sperm or that of that intended father. The embryos that were fertilized in the lab undergo a biopsy wherein several cells are removed through an opening in the shell. The cells are then tested using advanced molecular genetic techniques, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Embryos are tested for a wide range of genetic conditions, such as the ones below.
Three Types of PGT
PGT for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)
Chromosomal abnormalities cause the majority of failed pregnancies. Human beings have a total of 23 pairs of chromosomes. There are cases where embryos have an extra chromosome to bring the total to 47. While for some, they have a missing chromosome (45). These lead to genetic disorders, such as Down’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome. PGT-A screens for embryos with abnormal chromosomal count.
PGT for Monogenic/Single Gene Diseases (PGT-M)
Some genetic diseases are due to the inheritance of recessive genes. If a mother and father both carry this recessive gene, there’s a chance that they could pass it on to their baby. Diseases that come from recessive genes include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. PGT-M screens the embryo for these recessive genes so that it is not inherited by the baby.
PGT for Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR)
When a cell grows, chromosomes may be broken apart then repaired imperfectly. This results in the translocation of one part of a chromosome onto another chromosome. It is a rare event that happens to couples who have had a series of miscarriages, as well as to men with a low sperm count. PGT-SR detects embryos that have structurally sound chromosomes.
Schedule a Consultation for the Woodlands IVF Today
Ready to start your journey at our North Houston fertility clinic? Our caring, dedicated staff will give you personal attention throughout your entire experience. HART Fertility has been practicing Kingwood IVF since 1985. We have experienced fertility specialists who can provide an effective treatment plan for you. Using our advanced and cutting-edge reproductive technology, we’ll keep your treatment close to home. You can even request a second opinion for free. Contact us today if you’re ready to let your family blossom.
