What is PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Diseases)?

Do you or your partner have a genetic condition and are you not already pregnant but are planning a pregnancy?

PGT-M, also known as Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic condition, can provide that.

It is a scientific technique in IVF which can be used to test embryos for inherited diseases. It helps identify healthy embryos, minimizing the chance of passing on even a known genetic condition to your child.

Why PGT-M is Important

There are more than 10,000 diseases that happen due to one of these single gene mutations as estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO). These are known as monogenic disorders.

Some common monogenic conditions include:

• Thalassemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Cystic fibrosis
• Tay-Sachs disease
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Huntington’s disease

PGT-M reduces this risk.

What is PGT-M?

PGT-M is a genetic test as an additional procedure to in vitro fertilization. It screens embryos for inherited conditions specific to the family.

The process involves:

• Creating embryos through IVF
• Analyzing the DNA of each embryo
• Transferring disease-free embryos

This enables couples to select for the transfer of only healthy embryos, enhancing the likely of a safe and successful pregnancy.

How Does PGT-M Work?

Here is a step-by-step explanation of the PGT-M process:

IVF Cycle Begins

The woman is given hormone injections to stimulate her ovaries. This helps produce multiple eggs.

Egg Collection

The eggs are retrieved using a minor procedure.

Fertilization

Eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with the male partner's sperm, typically through ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). This helps ensure successful fertilization.

Embryo Growth

A 5-to-6-day-old fertilized egg is cultivated in the laboratory. They develop into blastocysts.

Biopsy

Between a few and a dozen cells are extracted from each embryo. This is what’s known as an embryo biopsy. The technique is harmless to the embryo.

Genetic Testing

The cells are shipped to a genetics laboratory. In this case, the DNA is screened for the exact mutation that is already established in the family.

Selection

Only those embryos without the defective gene are selected for transfer.

Embryo Transfer

One healthy embryo is implanted into the uterus. The good healthy embryos that are left over can be frozen and thawed at a later date and potentially transferred back to the woman's uterus.

Who Should Consider PGT-M?

It is recommended for:

• Already have a child with a genetic disorder
• Have a family history of an inherited defect
• Belong to populations where the risk of developing specific disorders is high (e.g., thalassemia in particular parts of India)
• PGT-M is also implemented for a number of X-linked conditions, which are disproportionately diagnosed in male children.

What Makes PGT-M Different from Other Tests?

There a few main types of genetic testing done in IVF:

So, although PGT-A screens for the count of chromosomes, PGT-M checks for individual single-gene condition.

The two may be used together to boost IVF success.

Benefits of PGT-M

1. Reduces Risk of Inherited Diseases

The greatest one is that it can prevent the transmission of genetic diseases to a baby.

2. Improves IVF Outcomes

Transferring only chromosomally normal embryos has the possibility of a higher success rate in terms of implantation and healthy pregnancy.

3. Peace of Mind

Couples with a confirmed genetic risk can start a family with peace of mind.

4. Avoids Difficult Choices Later

When a baby is diagnosed with a severe disease in utero, it can present difficult choices. PGT-M helps avoid this.

Is PGT-M Safe?

Yes, it is safe and well established. The embryo biopsy is performed by trained professionals. It is performed before implantation and does not pose any risk for mothers and babies.

Cost of PGT-M

The cost of PGT-M can vary. It depends on:

• The IVF center
• The number of embryos tested
• The type of genetic disorder

It increases the cost for the IVF but can, in some cases, stop expensive medical care further down the line. Most leading fertility centers provide genetic counseling prior to the test to help you.

At ART Fertility Clinics, we offer unique assistance with cutting-edge genetic testing and specialized care.

Success Rate of PGT-M

PGT-M does not ensure a pregnancy, but it increases the rate of success.

PGT-M in conjunction with IVF enhances LBR (live birth rate) in couples at high-risk

It assists in choosing the best embryos. It assists in selecting the best embryos (transferring them), which makes it more likely to result in the implantation of an embryo.

Success also depends on:

• Woman’s age
• Embryo quality
• IVF technique used
• Expertise of the fertility lab

How to Get Started?

If you believe that PGT-M is something you might be interested in:

• Meet a fertility specialist
• Open your heart and medical history
• Get genetic counseling

Plan IVF with PGT-M testing

Leading Fertility centers such as ART Fertility Clinics have onsite genetic counselors and advanced IVF labs for testing and treatment protocols, personalized for the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

To begin a family is an important decision, particularly if you are at risk of transmitting a genetic disease.

PGT-M offers hope. It combines science with compassion. It enables couples to have a baby who is free of inherited conditions and to spare any future offspring from suffering them themselves.

With the correct clinic and specialists, PGT-M can give you peace of mind as you move forward.