PGT-M can help protect your future children from specific genetic disorders

Texas Fertility Center works hard to help our patients bring home healthy babies. One way that our San Antonio fertility clinic accomplishes this goal is by using IVF and PGT-M. This type of testing is also known as preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders. In the past, it went by the name of PGD, or preimplantation genetic diagnosis. While the name has changed, this test still helps prevent patients from passing an inheritable genetic illness to their children.

Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders is highly advanced

PGT-M is like preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Both forms of testing involve screening IVF embryos before transferring one or more to the uterus. However, preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders is more advanced.

Instead of simply counting the number of chromosomes in each embryo, PGT-M can determine whether an embryo has or carries an abnormality in a specific gene. This allows our team to detect inheritable genetic disorders that affect a single gene. Some examples include autosomal recessive disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, Tay Sachs and sickle cell disease.

This form of genetic testing can also help identify which embryos are unaffected by the disorder. By only transferring these embryos, our San Antonio fertility clinic increases our patients’ chances of having a healthy baby.

Preconception genetic testing, or carrier screening, can help determine whether you need PGT-M

The team at our San Antonio fertility clinic follows industry recommendations regarding carrier screening. As a result, we recommend preconception genetic testing to all patients who are thinking about having a child.

The goal of testing is to identify whether someone carries a genetic disorder that they could pass to their baby. Before screening, many patients have no idea that they carry a genetic disorder. This is because a person can be a carrier without showing any symptoms.

Carrier screening is a simple process. It only requires a blood or saliva sample. An outside genetics laboratory will then evaluate the sample before returning the results within a few days.

If someone carries an autosomal recessive disorder, they have a 25% chance of having a child who has it. By using PGT-M, we can identify patients who are more likely to have an affected child. From there, we can counsel them about their options to have a healthy baby.

• IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders
• Donor eggs, sperm or embryos

If you would like to learn about PGT-M or carrier screening, please contact us today. Our experienced and compassionate team can answer all your questions and help you take steps to have a healthy baby.