PGT in your 40s

When trying to conceive later in life, there are plenty of challenges that come with advanced age. Most women in their 40s know that they have lower egg quantity, but another difficulty is a reduction in egg quality.

Our Austin fertility doctors are proponents of an option known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for women trying to conceive in their 40s. This option can provide valuable information during the IVF (in vitro fertilization) process. PGT in your 40s can reveal all-important information about the chromosomal health of an embryo. The information can help reach the goal of selecting a healthy embryo to transfer into the uterus.

PGT in your 40s provides valuable information

Preimplantation genetic testing is a broad term including three types of screening tests. The most common testing option is PGT-A, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Aneuploidy is a genetic disorder where the number of chromosomes in a cell doesn’t equal 46 (it could be too many or too few).

The link between maternal age and aneuploidy is well established. Women in their 40s run a much higher risk of aneuploidy since their eggs have been lying in wait longer reducing their quality. As a result, women in their 40s run a much higher risk of an embryo having abnormal numbers of chromosomes, possibly resulting in failed IVF, miscarriage or chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome.

The decision to undergo PGT in your 40s, especially PGT-A, is personal but encouraged as it can help guide IVF treatment. The process involves the following steps:

• After egg retrieval and successful fertilization, embryo development is carefully monitored. Embryo(s) reaching the blastocyst stage (normally day four-six) are candidates to undergo PGT-A testing before transfer.
• A small biopsy of cells is carefully extracted.
• The embryo is cryopreserved until results are available.
• Our Austin fertility doctors will explain the results and answer any questions.

In addition, we offer testing for single-gene disorders (PGT-M) or structural rearrangements (PGT-SR). It is worth discussing these options with your physician to see if you might consider them. These tests are not as commonly administered as PGT-A as the risk factors associated with abnormal chromosomes are far more significant. However, if you have a known genetic disorder, your fertility doctor will address this.

Preimplantation genetic testing can promote successful pregnancy

IVF is a complex process, and determining which embryo to transfer can be difficult. The option of PGT in your 40s is important to consider. Getting and staying pregnant in your 40s can be challenging enough, and we want to do all we can to ensure your success.

Our skilled Austin fertility doctors are experienced in guiding women in their 40s on the path toward parenthood. Contact us to learn more.