Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy can increase the odds of success

Through assisted reproductive technology, our Nashville fertility doctors have helped hundreds of patients attain their dreams of becoming parents. One of the tools we use to ensure optimal results is preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, or PGT-A. This testing enables our fertility specialists to transfer chromosomally normal embryos back to the uterus, so that a healthy pregnancy is more likely to occur.

What is aneuploidy?

An embryo with a normal number of chromosomes is euploid, while one with an abnormal number is aneuploid.

Typically, human beings have 46 chromosomes, threadlike structures of nucleic acids that carry critical genetic information. During normal embryo development, human beings receive a set of 22 chromosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes, X and Y, from each parent. With aneuploidy, the total number of chromosomes doesn’t equal 46. In some cases, the embryo can have 45 chromosomes and in others, it may have 47. Changes in the number of chromosomes can affect the outcome of a pregnancy.

What causes embryos to be aneuploid?

When fertilization occurs and embryo development begins, it is not unusual for chromosomal abnormalities to result as the cells divide and separate. This may lead to an additional or missing chromosome. Research indicates that aneuploidy causes more than half of first trimester miscarriages. Generally, the following groups have a greater risk for having chromosomally abnormal embryos.

• Women with advanced maternal age (35 years or older)
• Patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss
• Those with multiple failed IVF cycles

How can preimplantation genetic testing identify euploid embryos?

Although chromosome errors can be unpredictable, preimplantation genetic testing can improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. For PGT-A, our embryologists biopsy a few sample cells from each embryo, which are sent to a specialized genetics laboratory to identify any abnormalities. This information will enable our Nashville fertility doctors to determine which embryos to select for transfer.

In addition to PGT-A, other types of preimplantation genetic testing are available to patients concerned about passing a known genetic disorder on to their children. If a genetic condition runs in your family, or if you believe you are or could be a carrier of a specific genetic disorder, be sure to ask your fertility specialist about your testing options.

At Nashville Fertility Center, we want to help our patients create the families they desire. With preimplantation genetic testing and IVF, we can help make your dreams a reality. Contact our office for more information about aneuploidy or to schedule an appointment with one of our Nashville fertility doctors.