Genetic testing can be used in conjunction with infertility treatments to improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
During in vitro fertilization (IVF), the egg is combined with the sperm in a test tube to form the embryo which is then implanted into the womb for the development and growth of your baby. Genetic testing of the embryo prior to implantation will allow your doctor to determine if the embryo has any chromosomal or genetic abnormalities. The testing is usually done on day 5 of the development of the embryo (blastocyst stage).
Genetic testing may be used to:
- Look for specific genes in the embryo that may produce diseases as hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, or muscular dystrophy.
- Make sure the normal number of chromosomes are present
- dentify genetic abnormalities of unclear significance
The various genetic testing techniques include:
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)
- Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
- Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH)
- Next generation sequencing (NGS)
- Real-time PCR (RT-qPCR)
Pre-implantation genetic testing may be beneficial in older couples, those who have suffered multiple miscarriages, and those who have been unsuccessful despite multiple fertility treatments.
Although the emerging clinical studies regarding the use of genetic testing to improve success rates of embryo implantation have been encouraging, the benefits of using this technology to improve your individual chances of becoming pregnant should be discussed with your doctor or an infertility specialist.
ReproMed fertility clinics are located throughout Dallas, Grapevine, McKinney, Rockwall and in Tyler, Texas, giving patients convenient access to experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate reproductive health specialists. Contact us for an appointment today.