Hey there! If you’re considering IVF and curious about PGT-A, you’re in the right place. This genetic testing method is designed to check embryos for abnormal chromosome numbers, which can really help increase your chances of a successful pregnancy.
What is PGT-A?
So, what exactly is PGT-A? It’s a process that screens embryos created during IVF for any chromosomal abnormalities. Typically, each cell in our body should have 46 chromosomes. When that number goes awry, it’s termed aneuploidy, which can lead to miscarriages or even conditions like Down’s Syndrome.
How Does PGT-A Work?
During the IVF process, embryos grow for about 5-6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage. At this point, an embryologist will gently take a small sample of cells from each embryo and send them to a lab in London for testing. While waiting for results, the embryos are frozen. If the tests show that an embryo has a normal chromosome count, it can be thawed for transfer or kept frozen for later.
Who Should Consider PGT-A?
This testing is often recommended for older patients, those who’ve faced multiple miscarriages, or anyone who’s had unsuccessful IVF attempts. If that sounds like you, it might be worth discussing with your fertility specialist.
What’s the Process?
The PGT-A procedure involves several steps. First, once your embryos are ready, a tiny cell sample is taken, and the embryos are frozen. The genetic testing takes about four weeks to complete. If the results indicate healthy embryos, the best one will be chosen for transfer, allowing you to continue your IVF journey.
How Much Does It Cost?
PGT-A does come with an added expense, so you’ll want to factor that into your IVF budget. For instance, the cost for PGT-A is typically around £870 per embryo, with additional embryos costing about £500 each. Keep in mind that any medications needed will be extra.
While PGT-A might help reduce the risk of miscarriage by avoiding abnormal embryos, it’s good to know that the HFEA flags it as a “red flag” add-on test, meaning it doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of getting pregnant. There may even be cases where no viable embryos are found, but your consultant will guide you through the next steps if that happens.
As you navigate this journey, don’t forget that fertility counselling is available to support you emotionally and help you understand your options.
For more insights, check out this article on autism and parenting, which might offer some valuable perspectives. And if you’re looking into home insemination options, be sure to look at this resource on artificial insemination kits. If you’re keen on diving deeper into IVF, this page provides excellent information on the process.
In summary, PGT-A offers a way to enhance your IVF experience by identifying the healthiest embryos for transfer, although it’s essential to have realistic expectations about its impact on pregnancy outcomes.