Genetic Testing Can Help Your North Houston IVF Journey

Parents with hereditary diseases benefit from preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Through PGT, genetic defects can be identified even before the embryo is implanted into the uterus. Genetic testing for IVF is a technique wherein cells from an embryo are removed. These cells are screened for a wide range of genetic conditions. Our mission at our North Houston fertility clinic is to help families blossom through superb assisted reproduction services. With genetic testing as part of our North Houston IVF, we can improve rates of successful pregnancies.

How Does Genetic Testing Work?

Research shows that genetic abnormalities cause failed implantation and pregnancies. Our North Houston IVF clinic performs preimplantation genetic testing using state-of-the-art technology. The shell of the embryo, called the zona, is opened to remove the cells. These cells are examined using molecular techniques, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Embryos that are found to have flaws will be excluded from being transferred to the mother or carrier. This way, the chances of a healthy baby are increased.

Types of PGT

There are three types of preimplantation genetic testing that can be performed on an embryo before implantation:

• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A): Chromosomal abnormalities cause majority of failed pregnancies. Human beings have a total of 23 pairs of chromosomes. There are cases where embryos have an extra chromosome to bring the total to 47. While for some, they have a missing chromosome (45). These lead to genetic disorders, such as Down’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome. PGT-A screens for embryos with abnormal chromosomal count.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Diseases (PGT-M): Some genetic diseases are due to the inheritance of recessive genes. If a mother and father both carry this recessive gene, there’s a chance that they could pass it on to their baby. Diseases that come from recessive genes include cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. PGT-M screens the embryo for these recessive genes so that it is not inherited by the baby.
• Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Chromosomal Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR): When a cell grows, chromosomes may be broken apart then repaired imperfectly. This results in the translocation of one part of a chromosome onto another chromosome. It is a rare event that happens to couples who have had a series of miscarriages, as well as to men with a low sperm count. PGT-SR detects embryos that have structurally sound chromosomes.

Contact Us for North Houston IVF Services

Hart Fertility Clinic is dedicated to your positive experience with The Woodlands IVF. Our qualified and experienced fertility specialists will walk you through the entire process of North Houston IVF. They can offer their expertise to determine the right fertility treatment for your family. Through genetic testing at our IVF clinic, we can increase your chances for a healthy baby you can watch grow up. Call or email us today to schedule a consultation!