Female fertility decreases with age, largely because more eggs have chromosomal abnormalities like aneuploidy. PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies) helps address this issue.
Aneuploidy refers to an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell due to an extra or missing chromosome. It is a major cause of implantation failure, pregnancy loss, congenital abnormalities, and developmental disabilities in humans. Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidies is a screening test performed on embryos created via in vitro fertilsation (IVF) to genetically analyse the embryos prior to transfer. PGT-A allows to select healthy embryos for transfer and ultimately increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy to term.
At age 35, close to 40–50% of embryos may have chromosomal abnormalities, and by age 40, this figure can reach as high as 70%. Women over 40 face distinct challenges when undergoing IVF because both egg quality naturally decreases and the risk of chromosome irregularities in embryos increases with age.
• Identifies healthy embryos
• Prevents repeated failed transfers
• Lowers miscarriage rates
• Cuts emotional and financial costs in the long run
One of the most significant benefits of PGT-A in this age group is the potential to boost pregnancy success rates and reduce time to conception by choosing the right embryo. Studies have shown that women over 40 who use PGT-A are more likely to achieve a clinical pregnancy compared to those who do not undergo genetic screening. This is primarily due to the fact that embryos with chromosomal abnormalities—more frequently seen as maternal age increases—have a reduced chance of successful implantation and ongoing healthy development.
PGT-A aims to help couples achieve a healthy pregnancy by screening embryos created through IVF for genetic abnormalities before transfer. By selecting embryos without aneuploidies, PGT-A increases the likelihood of a successful, full-term pregnancy. The primary goal of PGT-A is to provide couples with a successful pregnancy that results in a healthy child free of disease and genetic abnormalities.
Some women worry PGT-A will reduce the number of embryos available. While fewer embryos may be transferred, the quality is significantly higher. PGT-A allows the same efficacy as standard IVF with less risks in a shorter timeframe, even if just 1-2 blastocysts are obtained. In fact, it reduces the prevalence of miscarriage and the number of embryo transfers, while preserving the cumulative live birth rate per cycle.
For women above 35, IVF with PGT-A is often a strategic investment rather than an added expense.
PGT-A provides valuable genetic insights that help shape more precise treatment decisions during IVF & allows more accurate embryo selection. By understanding the chromosomal status of each embryo, both patients and clinicians can tailor the treatment process with greater accuracy.
For women over 40—where every cycle can carry added emotional and financial weight—PGT-A may offer clarity, efficiency, and a higher probability of a positive outcome.
