For couples going through IVF, choosing which embryos to transfer is one of the most important decisions in the process. Alongside factors like embryo appearance and growth rate, some clinics offer preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to check for genetic abnormalities before transfer. This testing can reveal important information that influences both medical choices and personal decisions.
PGT involves taking a small sample of cells from an embryo, usually when it reaches the blastocyst stage around five or six days after fertilization. The sample is then analyzed in a specialized lab to look for missing or extra chromosomes, as well as specific inherited conditions when there’s a known family history. The goal is to identify embryos most likely to result in a healthy pregnancy.
For some couples, the first insight from PGT is simply confirmation that not all embryos are equally viable. Even embryos that look healthy under a microscope can have chromosomal abnormalities that make implantation less likely or increase the risk of miscarriage. This information can help avoid transferring embryos with little chance of success, potentially saving time, money, and emotional strain.
Another learning point is the role of age in embryo quality. PGT results often highlight that embryos from older patients are more likely to show abnormalities. While this is widely known in fertility medicine, seeing it reflected in personal test results can shape decisions about how many embryos to create, how many to test, and how many IVF cycles might be worth pursuing.
Couples may also discover the presence of specific genetic disorders they already knew about or didn’t realize they carried. For families with a history of inherited diseases, PGT can identify embryos free of those conditions, giving a path to avoid passing them on. In cases where both partners are carriers, this testing can be the deciding factor in whether to move forward with certain embryos or consider donor options.
Understanding limitations is another part of the process. PGT cannot guarantee a pregnancy or a completely healthy baby. It screens for certain abnormalities but does not detect every possible condition. Couples often leave the process with a better understanding of what the test can and cannot tell them, which helps manage expectations.
The results can also influence how many embryos are transferred and in what order. For example, if several embryos are normal, the clinic may recommend transferring one at a time to reduce the chance of multiple births. If only one normal embryo is identified, the approach may be more cautious, and backup plans might be discussed.
Some couples find reassurance in knowing more about their embryos before making a decision, while others find the information emotionally challenging. Clinics often provide counseling alongside PGT to help patients process the results and decide on next steps.
Ultimately, what couples learn during preimplantation genetic testing goes beyond medical facts. It shapes the path of their treatment, the timing of transfers, and sometimes the future shape of their family. Having detailed, accurate information before making these choices allows for decisions that align with both medical advice and personal values.