Hey friends! Let’s chat about some exciting updates in the world of genetic screening that came out of this year’s ASRM Annual Meeting in sunny San Diego. A major focus was on comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS), a game-changing method that allows embryos to be tested for genetic issues before implantation. You might have heard it referred to as preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) in the past, but it’s really evolved to improve our chances during in vitro fertilization (IVF). There were 27 presentations dedicated to CCS, so let’s break it down!
Tech Improvements
Over the years, we’ve seen some cool advancements in the techniques used for CCS. One of the biggest breakthroughs was the ability to culture embryos to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6). This stage makes embryos more robust for biopsy, and the cells are more reliable for assessment.
Additionally, CCS has become more precise. Now, we can test all 23 chromosome pairs simultaneously using cutting-edge microarray technology. And let’s not forget about vitrification—this rapid freezing technique allows us to safely store biopsied embryos while we wait for test results.
Promising Outcomes
Recent studies have shown some pretty impressive results. This year, one standout paper presented a randomized control trial (RCT) comparing traditional IVF to cycles utilizing CCS with frozen embryo transfers of normal embryos. The results were striking: CCS showed about a 50% increase in pregnancy rates (60.8% vs. 40.9%), fewer embryos were needed for transfer (1.7 vs. 2.2), and the pregnancy loss rate dropped dramatically (0% vs. 20%).
Interestingly, another study confirmed something we’ve suspected—embryo morphology isn’t a reliable indicator of chromosomal normalcy. In fact, 41% of the “best” embryos according to traditional morphology were found to be chromosomally abnormal when tested with CCS.
Moreover, an RCT revealed that transferring a single CCS-tested normal embryo had a pregnancy rate comparable to transferring two of the highest-quality embryos selected by morphology (69% vs. 67%), but with a significantly lower risk of twins (0% vs. 58%).
Our Experience
In our own practice, we’ve seen fantastic results with CCS. Our average implantation rates are 76% for women under 40 and 60% for those over 40. We’ve managed to successfully recover over 97% of the embryos we biopsy and vitrify. It’s been thrilling to be at the forefront of these advancements and to collaborate with other experts in the field.
As always, if you’re curious about fertility and want to dive deeper, check out our post on how orgasms feel during pregnancy and whether they’re safe. And if you’re looking for resources on at-home insemination, Make a Mom has a great article on artificial insemination kits that could be helpful. For those interested in pregnancy, the NICHD is an excellent source of information.
In Summary
Genetic screening, particularly through CCS, is rapidly advancing and showing remarkable improvements in IVF success rates. With ongoing research and technological advancements, we’re hopeful that these methods will continue to enhance fertility treatment options.