Hey there, friends! If you’re diving into the world of fertility treatments, you might have heard about Preimplantation Genetic Testing, or PGT for short. It’s a fascinating area, and I’m excited to share what it’s all about!
So, at our Houston clinic, we offer various genetic tests to help you understand your options better. When you first visit us, we do a preconception screening, which is super easy—a simple blood draw and a cheek swab. This is key because many recessive diseases can sneak up on you. If both partners are carriers of a specific condition, there’s a 25% chance their child might inherit it. The tricky part? Many carriers don’t even know they have the gene unless they’ve had a child with the disease. That’s why we encourage this screening before pregnancy, so you can make informed decisions.
Understanding Genetic Testing in IVF
Now, let’s talk about one of the most common reasons for IVF cycles not working out—genetically abnormal embryos. In the past, we’d just pick the embryos that looked the best, but research has shown that appearance doesn’t always correlate with genetic health. Thanks to advances in technology, we can now biopsy embryos to check their chromosome count before transferring them into the uterus. This process is known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A). Just a heads up: PGT-A is only available during an IVF cycle.
We also see patients who are aware they carry genetic disorders. Some conditions are recessive, like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, meaning carriers can be healthy. Others may be dominant and show up in family histories, such as mutations linked to breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2) or Huntington’s disease. Your personal and family medical history, along with your ethnic background, can all influence your risk. That’s why our specialists will have a detailed chat with you about your individual risk and potential tests to consider.
Resources for Your Fertility Journey
If you want to learn more about PGT or other fertility-related topics, check out this post about starting your fertility journey. It’s packed with useful info! Also, for those considering home insemination, boost your chances with fertility supplements that you can find at this resource. And if you’re on the path to pregnancy, Healthline has great information that can guide you through the process.
In summary, Preimplantation Genetic Testing is a valuable tool in the fertility journey. It helps to ensure that you have the healthiest embryos possible, giving you the best chance for a successful pregnancy.