World IVF Day 2023: Why Genetic Testing Is Important In The IVF Process

#KhushKhabriWithIVF: World IVF day is observed on 25th  July every year to raise awareness about this fertility treatment so more and more couples dealing with fertility problems can benefit from IVF. Onlymyhealth is running a campaign under the name ‘Khush Khabri With IVF’ to obtain and share all possible details about IVF from eminent experts.

While the basics of IVF like what it is, how it is done, etc. are clear to most people, certain aspects need to be cleared. Especially if you are considering IVF to achieve pregnancy, when natural conception seems to fail.  Genetic testing is a crucial diagnosis that must be conducted irrespective of the mode of pregnancy. It helps in early diagnosis of any genetic abnormality in the unborn baby. In this article, Dr. Meenal Agarwal, (MD, DM), Clinical Genetics, MedGenome shares why genetic testing is a must during IVF.

Why Is Genetic Testing Important?

Every couple wants a healthy pregnancy and child. This anxiety is much more in the couples undergoing IVF treatment. There are about 5000-7000 rare genetic diseases. There is a 2-3% risk in every pregnancy (including IVF pregnancy) that it might get affected with any major genetic abnormality. Here is how genetic testing is done:

• A genetic counselling session before an IVF treatment can identify the families which might be at risk for a genetic condition in the child.
• Accordingly, an appropriate genetic assay can be suggested in the couple.
• Based on the personal /family history and genetic test results, IVF embryos can be tested for specific genetic abnormalities which can significantly increase the chances of successful and healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Genetic Testing For IVF

Preimplantation genetic testing is one of the advanced techniques where 5-10 cells of growing embryos are taken out by highly sophisticated techniques and are analysed for genetic condition/s for which the family might be at risk. The healthy embryos not harbouring a particular genetic defect are discarded while embryos without the genetic aberration are chosen for further implantation. Couples with recurrent IVF failures may also get benefitted from these genetic evaluations and testing. Genetic tests and report interpretation are quite complicated and challenging. Hence thorough pre-test and post-test counselling is a must before undertaking any kind of genetic testing. This will help you make better and informed reproductive decisions.

Always trust an experienced doctor for your treatment. It is important to follow all the steps to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy with minimal risks for mother and baby.