When couples undertake the physically and emotionally challenging process of IVF, they want to provide themselves with the best possible opportunity for a healthy pregnancy. One sophisticated tool that is increasingly being used in India is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)—a technique that can ensure better IVF success and lower the chances of genetic illness in the baby.
For couples investigating fertility treatment in expanding regions such as Urapakkam, identifying the advantages of PGT testing and if it is suitable for them is a significant consideration. IVF centres such as the Urapakkam best IVF centre now embrace PGT as part of cutting-edge IVF treatment, and it’s becoming increasingly accessible to Indian couples.
What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?
PGT, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing, is an IVF laboratory test that tests IVF-created embryos for chromosomal or genetic anomalies before they are implanted in the uterus. It aids in detecting embryos that are likely to lead to a healthy pregnancy.
PGT is done after fertilization and prior to implantation. On day five or six of embryo formation (when it has grown to the blastocyst stage), a few cells are taken out with caution and analyzed in a laboratory. The rest of the embryo is stored in a frozen state until the results are known.
Types of PGT and What They Detect
There are several approaches to PGT testing, each designed for a particular purpose:
PGT-A (Aneuploidy Testing):
This verifies whether the embryo possesses the correct quantity of chromosomes. It’s beneficial for couples who have had recurrent miscarriages, previous failed IVF attempts, or females above 35 years.
PGT-M (Monogenic Disorder Testing):
This tests for particular inherited genetic disorders such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell anemia. It’s particularly beneficial for couples with a known family history of a single-gene disorder.
This identifies structural alterations in chromosomes such as translocations or inversions that can cause miscarriage or genetic illness.
Why Indian Couples Are Turning to PGT
In urban and suburban areas such as Urapakkam, where awareness of fertility is growing, many couples are starting to wonder if PGT could be suitable for them. A number of factors are behind the popularity of preimplantation genetic testing in India:
Growing maternal age at first pregnancy
Family history of genetic diseases
History of miscarriage or previous IVF failure
Wish to decrease the risk of passing on genetic conditions
Through the application of PGT testing, couples can select those embryos which are chromosomally normal, thus having an improved chance of a successful healthy pregnancy.
Advantages of PGT
Increased IVF Success Rate
Centres such as the IVF clinic Urapakkam have found that PGT has the ability to increase implantation rates and decrease the chances of miscarriage.
Reduces Risk of Genetic Disorders
Couples with a known risk of passing on a genetic condition receive reassurance that only unaffected embryos are implanted.
Less Failed Cycles
Embryo transfer with the correct number of chromosomes decreases the risk of unsuccessful IVF cycles.
Healthier Birth Outcomes
PGT also reduces the risk of having to make tough choices later in the pregnancy, such as coping with birth defects or chromosomal problems.
Who Should Have PGT?
PGT can be a viable option for:
Women 35 years and older
Those with multiple IVF failure
Those with recurrent miscarriages
Those with family history of genetic disorders
Those with abnormal genetic testing results
Couples who opt to do IVF for family balancing or sex selection (permitted only according to some guidelines)
It’s always advisable to have a consultation in detail with an expert team at a reliable centre such as the Urapakkam best IVF centre to find out whether PGT is suitable for a particular case.
Issues Regarding PGT in India
A few couples are apprehensive that preimplantation genetic testing would cause harm to the embryo or lower its probability of implantation. But with present techniques and experienced embryologists, the possibility of damage is minimal.
Cost may also be a factor, since PGT tacks on to the cost of total IVF treatment. Ultimately, though, it will ultimately save money by preventing wasted cycles from repeated failed attempts or having to handle complex pregnancies.
What’s the Process Like?
This is a simplified overview of the process of PGT testing:
IVF is conducted as normal: hormone stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization.
Embryos are cultivated until they reach the blastocyst stage, which occurs on Day 5 or 6.
A small number of cells are extracted from each embryo.
The embryos are stored frozen while the cells are analyzed in the laboratory.
Depending on outcomes, genetically normal embryos are chosen for transfer in a subsequent cycle.
This ensures that only the embryos with the highest potential are selected for implantation.
Final Thoughts: Should You Consider PGT?
For couples undergoing IVF, preimplantation genetic testing provides hope, reassurance, and improved planning. Whether it’s due to age or family history, having more information about embryo health prior to implant can make a huge difference.
With the growing availability of fertility technology in India, even subtowns such as Urapakkam now have sophisticated IVF treatment services provided by qualified clinics. Individuals looking for fertility treatment can gain from contacting professionals at the IVF clinic Urapakkam for discussing all available procedures.
