If you have an existing genetic condition or are planning to go through in vitro fertilization, you may need embryo testing. At Conceive Fertility Center in Irving, Texas, fertility experts Derek Haas, MD, and Julian Escobar, MD, offer the convenience of onsite genetic testing to ensure your embryo is healthy and likely to thrive after implantation. You can also determine the gender of your baby in the earliest stages with embryo testing methods. To find out more about embryo testing, schedule a consultation at Conceive Fertility Center online or by phone today.
Embryo Testing Q & A
What is embryo testing?
Embryo testing is designed to ensure the health and viability of an embryo before implantation into the uterus through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The testing options available at Conceive Fertility Center can also determine the gender of the embryo if you want the choice or if you have a genetic condition that may affect one gender but not the other.
What types of embryo testing are available?
The most common types of genetic embryo testing at Conceive Fertility Center include:
Preimplantation genetic screening
Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is a comprehensive screening option that focuses on the health of the chromosomes. PGS is a part of in vitro fertilization and involves the analysis of sample cells that come from the embryo.
The goal of PGS is to ensure a healthy number of chromosomes are present in the embryo before implantation in the uterus. This increases the success of implantation and reduces the likelihood that a baby would have a genetic disorder, like Down syndrome.
PGS testing can also determine the gender of the embryo.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a genetic test that is useful for those who have an existing genetic disorder or is a carrier. PGD can prevent such a condition from being passed down to children by evaluating embryo health before IVF implantation.
When should I consider embryo testing?
Your Conceive Fertility Center provider may recommend embryo testing in certain circumstances, such as:
- Repeated IVF failures
- Known genetic disease
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
You may also need embryo testing if you are older than 35. Advanced maternal age increases your risk for chromosomal abnormalities that can affect your fertility and ability to carry a pregnancy to term, as well as increase the risk of having a child with health complications.
After a thorough evaluation of your health history and issues with fertility, your Conceive Fertility Center provider can discuss the need for PGD and PGS embryo testing. The team offers on-site lab testing to ensure you receive fast and accurate test results.
Learn more about the benefits of embryo testing by calling Conceive Fertility Center today or by requesting a consultation through the online booking system.