5 Reasons Preimplantation Genetic Testing Is Highly Recommended

Many couples decide to have genetic testing during or even before pregnancy to look for inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. These tests also check for chromosomal conditions like trisomy (an extra chromosome) or monosomy (missing a chromosome). 

At CARE Fertility in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas, our co-founders, Drs. Kevin and Kathy Doody, provide preimplantation genetic testing, in which we screen the embryo for genetic abnormalities before implantation for our in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. 

We recommend that all our IVF patients have preimplantation genetic testing because it’s convenient, it’s less invasive, and it can save a lot of heartache. Here, we share with you five reasons why we highly recommend preimplantation genetic testing.

1. Improves embryo selection

During preimplantation genetic screening, we analyze each embryo for genetic abnormalities. This helps us select the most viable embryo(s) for implantation. When only implanting the healthiest embryos, we may not need to transfer as many embryos, decreasing the risk of multiple births. 

Though preimplantation genetic screening is an extra cost for IVF, it may save you from having to undergo another round of treatment.

2. Eliminates concerns about genetic disorders

Many parents choose this testing to screen for genetic disorders that may affect the pregnancy or the health of the fetus. By screening your embryos before implantation, we eliminate this concern. 

3. Increases chances of successful pregnancy

Because we’re placing only healthy embryos in the uterus, we increase the chance of a successful pregnancy, one that goes full term. When evaluating the embryo, we look for conditions that may affect implantation or early development of the embryo in the uterus. 

Preimplantation genetic testing also speeds up the time to pregnancy by eliminating the need to go through months of embryo transfers until one succeeds.

4. Means less uncertainty

Infertility is physically and emotionally taxing. If you’ve had multiple miscarriages or unsuccessful IVF treatments, preimplantation genetic testing may help improve your chances of pregnancy and ease your fear, anxiety, and uncertainty.  

5. Helps determine the best fertility treatment options 

With preimplantation genetic testing, we may learn that your embryos are genetically flawed and not viable for transfer. We can then help you decide what steps you need to take to grow your family. 

Preimplantation genetic testing gives you peace of mind, which is why we highly recommend it. We love nothing more than helping our patients grow their families, and we provide the most advanced fertility treatments available. 

Let us help you add to your family. Call the CARE Fertility office near you, or schedule a consultation online today.