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Partner treatments

Reproductive genetic counseling and testing

Reproductive genetics involves the analysis of the genetic and chromosomal abnormalities associated with one or both partners. Reproductive genetics includes analyzing infertility causes related to recurrent miscarriages, infertility complications, reproductive loss, and unsuccessful IUI and IVF procedures. In numerous cases, it also supports the selection of the best embryos to enhance and support the success rate of IVF procedures.

CReATe Durham Fertility offers a robust reproductive genetics program in partnership with CReATe Fertility Centre Toronto, one of Canada’s leading IVF centers with a world-renowned preimplantation genetic testing facility. A comprehensive team of fertility specialists, ART technicians, and geneticists together assist in the following:

  • Determine the likelihood of having a baby with a hereditary genetic disorder
  • Providing counseling for a suggested reproductive genetic test and understanding how the intending parent(s) can lower the risk of passing on the genetic or chromosomal disorder to the baby.
  • Providing counseling for a suggested reproductive genetic test to aid in selecting embryos to support better IVF treatment outcomes.

Who should choose reproductive genetic testing?

  • Women over the age of 35 who wish to become pregnant.
  • Single or both parents aware of being carriers of genetic disorders such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and spinal muscular atrophy.
  • If you have experienced multiple pregnancy miscarriages and have a history of unsuccessful IVF and IUI treatments.
  • If you have an illness or are on medication that can impact pregnancy, such as cancer.

Types of Reproductive Genetic Tests

CReATe Durham Fertility is a partner clinic of CReATe Fertility Centre Toronto, and together they provide access to advanced tests such as:

  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A),
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic or Single Gene Defects (PGT-M),
  • Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangement (PGT-SR)

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)

PGT-A is a reproductive genetic test that detects chromosomal abnormalities in embryos known as aneuploidy. Only the embryos with 23 pairs of chromosomes are selected through this test to support successful IVF procedure outcomes. PGT-A genetic testing may be recommended to you if any of the following conditions apply to you:

  • You’ve had many miscarriages or unsuccessful IUI and IVF treatments.
  • If you are above the age of 36 and attempting to conceive.

PGT-A has numerous advantages:

  • Raises the pregnancy success rate to 70% or higher.
  • Decreases the miscarriage rates to between 5 and 7%.
  • Reduces the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.
  • Allows for the freezing of chromosomally normal embryos for future use.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic or Single Gene Defects (PGT-M)

PGT-M is a reproductive genetic test that determines the existence of a specific genetic mutation in an IVF embryo (before transfer). This test reveals embryos with genetic problems, which are carefully selected and not utilized in the IVF procedure. The fundamental advantage of PGT-M is that it significantly reduces the likelihood of passing hereditary diseases to subsequent offspring. It assists in detecting and diagnosing genetic abnormalities that may cause illness during or after the delivery of a baby.

Advantages of choosing PGT-M:

  • It detects chromosomal abnormalities in embryos with a 98% accuracy rate.
  • This test is advised for couples who risk passing on single-gene diseases to their children.
  • It improves pregnancy outcomes and encourages the birth of healthy babies.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangement (PGT-SR)

PGT-SR is a reproductive genetic test done on IVF embryos to screen for chromosomal structural rearrangements produced by balanced translocations and inversions. One or both partners may have chromosomal rearrangements, which may go unnoticed until they wish to have children. PGT-SR can improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy by analyzing embryos with chromosomal rearrangements and selecting only those with the appropriate amount of chromosomal material for transfer.

Please discuss with your fertility specialist to determine your eligibility, cost, and coverage for these preimplantation genetic tests. You may require a referral to proceed with this test, and you should get genetic counseling to learn more about the test technique, advantages, results, and choices.