Why PGT? Understanding Its General Use

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) serves as a powerful tool within the realm of in vitro fertilization (IVF), offering prospective parents the opportunity to gain crucial insights into the genetic health of their embryos before implantation. Its general use revolves around improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby, particularly for individuals or couples facing specific reproductive challenges.

One of the primary reasons women opt for PGT is to identify chromosomal abnormalities, such as aneuploidy (an incorrect number of chromosomes), which are a leading cause of miscarriage and IVF failure. By screening embryos for these issues, PGT helps in selecting the most chromosomally normal embryos for transfer, thereby increasing implantation rates and reducing the risk of early pregnancy loss. This is especially relevant for women of advanced maternal age, who have a higher incidence of aneuploid embryos.

Beyond chromosomal screening, PGT is also utilized to detect specific genetic disorders. Couples who are known carriers of a single gene disorder (like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia) or who have a family history of such conditions can use PGT to ensure that only embryos free from these inherited diseases are transferred. This proactive approach empowers families to prevent the transmission of serious genetic conditions to their children, offering peace of mind and a healthier start to a healthy future.