Genetic Testing Archives - Island Reproductive Services

Tag: Genetic Testing

June 14, 2024

The Benefits Of Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

As technology advances, so too does our ability to understand and manipulate the genetic makeup of embryos. Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) is a revolutionary tool that allows for the screening of embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for genetic abnormalities before implantation in the uterus.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)

This groundbreaking technique offers numerous benefits to couples undergoing fertility treatment, providing them with valuable information and opportunities to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy. Island Reproductive Services is here to dive into the advantages of Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS).

Increased Pregnancy Rates

One of the primary benefits of PGS is its ability to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy during IVF treatment. By screening embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before implantation, PGS helps identify embryos with the highest chance of implantation and successful development, leading to higher pregnancy rates and reduced risk of miscarriage.

Reduced Risk of Autism and Developmental Delays

Although most cases of autism are not strictly chromosomally related, some cases may be picked up with PGS. Specifically, many deletions and duplications of chromosomes are associated with autism. Some embryos may have these abnormalities detected by PGS. These embryos, if transferred, could lead to a live birth with an affected child. PGS can prevent these cases.

Reduced Risk of Genetic Disorders

PGS enables the detection of genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Turner syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities that may result in genetic disorders or developmental disabilities. By identifying embryos with these abnormalities early in the IVF process, PGS allows couples to make informed decisions about which embryos to transfer, reducing the risk of passing genetic disorders to their offspring.

Improved Embryo Selection

PGS provides valuable information about the genetic health of embryos, allowing fertility specialists to select the highest quality embryos for transfer during IVF treatment. By choosing embryos with the correct number of chromosomes and a lower risk of genetic abnormalities, PGS can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the need for multiple IVF cycles.

Enhanced Peace of Mind

For couples undergoing fertility treatment, the uncertainty and emotional toll of multiple IVF cycles can be overwhelming. PGS offers peace of mind by providing valuable information about the genetic health of embryos, allowing couples to make more informed decisions about their treatment options. Knowing that they have taken proactive steps to reduce the risk of genetic abnormalities can alleviate anxiety and stress during the IVF process.

Reduced Risk of Multiple Pregnancies

In traditional IVF treatment, multiple embryos are often transferred to increase the chances of pregnancy, leading to a higher risk of multiple pregnancies and associated complications. PGS allows fertility specialists to select the highest quality embryos for transfer, reducing the need for multiple embryo transfers and the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Minimized Risk of Miscarriage

Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of miscarriage in early pregnancy. By screening embryos for genetic abnormalities before implantation, PGS helps identify embryos with a lower risk of miscarriage, leading to higher pregnancy rates and improved outcomes for couples undergoing fertility treatment.

Family Balancing

For couples who have a child with a genetic disorder or who are carriers of a genetic condition, PGS offers the opportunity to select embryos that are free from the same genetic abnormality, reducing the risk of passing on the condition to future children. PGS also allows for family balancing, enabling couples to choose the sex of their embryos for family planning purposes.

Ethical Considerations

PGS can also help prevent the need for selective abortion in cases where genetic abnormalities are detected in the embryo after implantation. By screening embryos before transfer, PGS allows couples to make decisions about their embryos in a more ethically and morally responsible manner, reducing the need for difficult decisions later in pregnancy.

By providing valuable information about the genetic health of embryos, PGS empowers couples to make more informed decisions about their treatment options and family planning goals. As technology continues to advance, PGS holds promise for further improving the success rates and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, ultimately helping more couples achieve their dream of parenthood.

Contact Island Reproductive Services Today!

Consulting with a qualified fertility specialist and seeking support from reputable resources can provide clarity and guidance throughout the IVF process. Ultimately, understanding the facts about IVF can empower individuals to navigate fertility challenges with confidence and optimism. Request an appointment today!

October 14, 2023

Genetic Testing In Fertility: Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT)

The journey to parenthood can be a challenging one, especially for couples who face the burden of genetic disorders or chromosomal abnormalities. Luckily, advancements in medical technology have revolutionized the field of fertility treatment, offering hope to couples struggling with infertility. Among these breakthroughs, genetic testing has emerged as a powerful tool to help ensure healthy pregnancies and the birth of healthy babies.

Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing

Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a significant technique that involves genetic testing of the embryo for chromosomes and/or specific known genetic disorders. Here at Island Reproductive Services, we are pleased to offer this medical technology to help you start planning your future and achieve your parenting dreams. Some patients are worried that a PGT biopsy may harm the embryo. At Island Reproductive Services, we only biopsy the embryo once cells are “hatching out.” That allows us to avoid going into the embryo to perform the biopsy thus avoiding any potential harm to the embryo.

What Is The PGT Process?

Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing is used to assess the genetic health of embryos before they are implanted in the uterus. The PGT process typically follows these steps:

Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval: The woman undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved.
Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting, usually through IVF.
Embryo Development: The fertilized eggs develop into embryos over a few days.
Embryo Biopsy: A few cells are carefully removed from each embryo for genetic analysis. This process does not harm the embryo’s overall development since we only biopsy cells as they are extruded out of the embryo..
Genetic Analysis: The extracted cells undergo genetic testing to identify chromosomal abnormalities or specific gene mutations, depending on the type of PGT being performed.
Embryo Selection: Based on the results of the genetic analysis, our doctors choose the embryo that is most suitable for implantation.
Embryo Transfer: The selected embryo is transferred into the woman’s uterus for potential implantation and pregnancy.

What Can Embryos Be Tested For?

Usually, at the blastocyst stage, embryos are genetically tested by removing a few cells from the outside of each embryo. Embryos are frozen, and the cells are sent to a specialized genetic laboratory for analysis. Embryos can be tested for the following:

Chromosomes: Chromosome errors can occur randomly in any egg or sperm. Errors are more likely to occur in eggs and increase with a woman’s age. Even in women at age 35, approximately 50% of eggs are chromosomally abnormal. Errors can involve an entire chromosome or part of a chromosome.
Structural abnormalities: Some men and women carry chromosome abnormalities that may be passed along to their children. These are usually translocations and often lead to infertility, miscarriages, or an affected child.
Genetic diseases: Some families may have a known genetic disease in family members. A man or a woman may have the disease or may carry an abnormal disease mutation. These include autosomal recessive diseases (both the egg and sperm must carry the mutation to cause the disease in a child), autosomal dominant diseases (if either the egg or sperm carries the mutation, a child has a 50% chance of getting the disease), or X linked (usually passed along from the eggs of a woman who carrier the abnormal mutation).

PGT genetic testing offers numerous benefits to couples seeking to have healthy children. It allows for the identification and selection of embryos with the best chance of successful implantation and development, reducing the risk of miscarriages and genetic disorders.

Work With Island Reproductive Services

Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) represents a remarkable stride in fertility treatment, providing hope to couples grappling with genetic risks and disorders. The ability to screen embryos for specific gene mutations before implantation significantly enhances the chances of healthy pregnancies and births.
Our team at Island Reproductive Services is here for you through the process. We have resources and information that can help you make decisions. Are you interested in scheduling a consultation with our team? Check out our website or give us a call for more information.