PGT-A For Your IVF Journey: What You Need to Know

Maybe you’ve already spent hours researching, or perhaps you’re just getting started with IVF eyes wide open, trying to take it all in. In most cases, all the information can be overwhelming. Many times, you’ll come across PGT-A testing, which is a genetic screening tool that could play a role in your fertility journey. But is it for everyone? Let’s break it down.

What Exactly is PGT-A, and Why Does It Matter?

PGT-A, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy, is a way for fertility doctors to identify embryos with the correct number of chromosomes. Chromosomes are the tiny blueprints that dictate how a baby develops. When an embryo has 46 chromosomes (23 from each parent), it’s considered “euploid,” meaning it has a much better shot at resulting in a healthy pregnancy.

But if the numbers are off? That’s where issues arise. Too many or too few chromosomes (a condition called aneuploidy) can lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or even genetic disorders like Down syndrome. PGT-A helps NOVA IVF and other fertility specialists select the embryos most likely to thrive. Ideally, increasing the success rates of pregnancy and live births.

Should Everyone Opt for PGT-A?

The truth is, PGT-A isn’t a must for every single IVF patient. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been pretty clear: this test isn’t universally necessary. Why? Because no two IVF journeys look the same.

For some, especially those who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss or are navigating fertility challenges at a later age, PGT-A might be a game-changer. If you’re dealing with multiple miscarriages, for example, this screening can help stack the odds in your favor by selecting embryos less likely to carry chromosomal abnormalities.

But if you’re younger and producing a good number of embryos, the benefits become less obvious. In some cases, skipping PGT-A may mean more embryos available for transfer rather than excluding some based on potentially inconclusive test results. That’s why having an open, in-depth conversation with your fertility specialist is key.

What the Research Says

Studies show that PGT-A doesn’t necessarily boost cumulative live birth rates across the board (meaning, over the course of multiple embryo transfers). In fact, cumulative live-birth rates in IVF with and without PGTA are similar. Still, it does improve individual transfer success rates. What does that mean? Simply put, if your doctor transfers a PGT-A-tested embryo, it’s more likely to stick than one that wasn’t tested. 

That’s because PGT-A helps weed out embryos with chromosomal abnormalities. Given that chromosomal issues are behind nearly half of first-trimester miscarriages, this kind of insight can be a game-changer for many couples.

PGT-A Techniques

You’d think PGT-A would be a straightforward process. Test the embryos, get a clear yes or no, and move forward. But the truth is, there isn’t a single, undisputed “best” method for PGT-A. Different clinics use different technologies, and the testing techniques are constantly evolving.

A relatively new technique known as high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies has been used to successfully accomplish embryo transfer and pregnancy. Studies show that this reduces the time and cost of additional cycles.

Before embarking on the PGT-A testing, ask all the questions you can. Make sure you understand what testing method your clinic is using and why. Because when it comes to something as personal as building your family, there’s no such thing as too much information.

What Are The Benefits of PGT-A?

The main purpose of PGT-A is to identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities. Nonetheless, there are other benefits the test carries.  that are compatible with life but will produce an affected child.

Miscarriage Prevention

Couples who have gone through a miscarriage often face emotional and physical turmoil. Over the years, studies show that chromosome abnormalities account for 50% of first-trimester miscarriages. Therefore, PGT-A can feel like a lifeline, and discussing PGT-A with your fertility specialist could open new avenues of hope and reassurance.

If you've faced multiple miscarriages or you're nearing a later stage of reproductive age, PGT-A may significantly reduce the risk of future miscarriages because you get to choose embryos that are more likely to result in a successful pregnancy. However, this may not be the case of every IVF patient. 

If miscarriage has been a painful part of your fertility story, discussing PGT-A with your fertility specialist could open new avenues of hope and reassurance.

Time Is of the Essence: Speeding Up the Path to Pregnancy

Anyone who has been on an IVF journey will tell you that the process isn’t just expensive. It can be emotionally exhausting and time-consuming. Every failed cycle feels like an eternity. PGT-A can help cut down this waiting game by identifying embryos with the highest potential for implantation, thus reducing the number of unsuccessful transfers.

Implantation Success

Not every embryo is created equal. Some have genetic abnormalities that make implantation difficult. In other cases, the embryo implants but fails to develop, leading to an early miscarriage. PGT-A helps doctors choose embryos that have the right chromosomal makeup, increasing the likelihood of a successful transfer.

Helps Women Advanced In Maternal Age

The older one grows, the more fertility declines. As women age, the percentage of embryos with chromosomal abnormalities increases. By the time a woman reaches 40, more than half of her embryos may be genetically abnormal.

This is where PGT-A comes in. This test can be the difference in ensuring the transfer of only the most viable embryos, making each cycle count.

But What About the Risks?

It’s completely natural to worry and wonder whether PGT-A will harm your embryos. Only a small sample of the embryo’s cells is taken and analyzed. However, the chances of harming the embryo stand at roughly 1-5%, and this risk is usually tied to the embryo’s overall health rather than the biopsy itself.

Another factor to consider is that embryos tested with PGT-A are usually frozen and later thawed before transfer. While freezing and thawing embryos is a well-established practice with high success rates, there’s always a small chance that an embryo won’t survive the process. 

Where Do You Go From Here?

IVF is complicated and throwing PGT-A into the mix only adds another layer of complexity. But here’s the thing: complexity isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it means you have options to make informed choices tailored to your unique situation. When talking with your fertility doctor, keep asking questions because the decision depends on you and your partner.