Giving you peace of mind
Genetic testing of embryos before the implantation stage in IVF can detect a range of genetic issues that can cause you to fail to conceive or result in miscarriage or identify any medical conditions that could be passed onto your child.
Giving you peace of mind
Genetic testing of embryos before the implantation stage in IVF can detect a range of genetic issues that can cause you to fail to conceive or result in miscarriage or identify any medical conditions that could be passed onto your child.
The most common cause for IVF failure is a failure of implantation of the embryo into the lining of the uterus. There are many potential reasons for this, however, chromosomal abnormality within the early developing embryo is considered to be responsible for the majority of failed IVF cycles.
If an embryo contains an incorrect number of chromosomes, other than the normal 46, it is genetically abnormal, a condition known as aneuploidy.
Genetic testing has advanced to the extent whereby we are able to check every chromosome within an embryo and identify any abnormalities before the embryo is implanted back into the body. This technology is known as preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).
PGT-A allows us to check the number chromosomes within each embryo, for example, an embryo may have an additional copy of a chromosome or may be lacking a chromosome. If an embryo is lacking a chromosome it is unlikely that the embryo will implant, there are however a few exceptions, such as Turners syndrome, in which the embryo only contains one sex chromosome (X0)
However, if an embryo contains an additional copy of a chromosome it may still implant and develop into a pregnancy. The most likely outcome for this pregnancy is that it will end in miscarriage before 12 weeks. However, in some cases the pregnancy may continue further or even to full term, for example, Down’s syndrome, a condition whereby the embryo has three copies of chromosome 21 rather than two.
PGT-A will identify which embryos are contain a normal set of chromosomes (46) and are euploid and which embryos contain an abnormal set of chromosomes (+/- 46) and are aneuploid. Published data has demonstrated that if a euploid embryo (chromosomally normal) is returned back to the womb the likelihood of a successful outcome is greater than the transfer of an unscreened embryo through IVF.
However, PGT-A is not necessary for everyone; at Aria our fertility consultants will discuss with you whether this fertility treatment is an option to help you start or continue to grow your family.
For some families having a baby can be complicated not by infertility but because one of the partners, or both partners carry a specific inherited genetic condition which could be potentially passed onto any child.
Will I need PGT-M?
PGT-M is a specialist treatment and will only be required if you, your partner or the both of you are a known carrier of a genetic condition. The below list contains a few examples of the types of patients we are able to help treat using the PGT-M technology:
These genetic conditions are known as single-gene disorders, for example, Cystic Fibrosis, alpha or beta Thalassemia or sickle cell anaemia are some of the most common. There are many other single-gene disorders which can have devastating consequences if these are passed onto any child. There are over 600 different types of dominant and recessive genetic diseases which we are able to test for. A list of all the single-gene disorders were are currently licensed by the HFEA to be able to test for can be found here.
Using PGT-M technology we are able to screen every embryo for the presence or absence of a single-gene disorder. Subsequently, we only replace embryos which are unaffected with the particular genetic disease back into the body so a healthy pregnancy can be conceived.
Structural chromosomal rearrangements are mutations of the chromosomes involving a change in the natural chromosome size or arrangement. If either partner has been diagnosed with a structural rearrangement of their chromosomes there is a significantly higher chance of a pregnancy ending in miscarriage or having a child which inherits a genetic disorder.
Many people who carry a balanced form of a structural rearrangement, are often healthy and unaware that they are a carrier of this genetic condition, until they start to try for a family.
The PGT-SR process requires that we screen all of the embryos created through the IVF process to ensure that they have inherited the correct amount of genetic material. We can then replace any embryos which have been unaffected by the structural abnormality and are most likely to form a successful pregnancy
Aria Fertility is the vision of a small group of highly knowledgeable and globally recognised fertility experts and embryologists who have come together, uniting their experience and vision to deliver truly market-leading infertility care and family planning.
With experience derived from decades of bespoke private care, incorporating the very latest technological advances, and realised in dedicated state of the art facilities nestled in the heart of London.
Welcome to truly customised fertility treatment.
Experience.
Having a family is a dream of many but it is not always easy and sometimes requires a bit of external support. There are also a great many factors that can make this process seem like a struggle.
It doesn’t have to be though. Our highly experienced team here at Aria Fertility will listen, support and guide you to having the family you always dreamed of.
Whether you’ve been trying unsuccessfully for a while; had children before but this time it hasn’t been so easy; or you just want a chat about it with someone who can listen and understand; rest assured, you are not in this alone.
Support.
Having a family is a dream of many but it is not always easy and sometimes requires a bit of external support. There are also a great many factors that can make this process seem like a struggle.
It doesn’t have to be though. Our highly experienced team here at Aria Fertility will listen, support and guide you to having the family you always dreamed of.
Whether you’ve been trying unsuccessfully for a while; had children before but this time it hasn’t been so easy; or you just want a chat about it with someone who can listen and understand; rest assured, you are not in this alone.
Convenience.
Ensuring your fertility journey is as convenient as can be, through access to our experienced team whenever you need it the most (24/7) through to the convenience of extended opening hours, virtual consultations, phone and email contact; allowing you to continue with your life as normal.
We are here at your fingertips 24/7. The Aria Fertility app will keep you informed about your treatment and your appointments.
When you do need to come in to see us we are conveniently located behind Bond Street and a few minutes walk to the nearest Underground.
When you are ready and the time is right for you, the next step is to contact us and we will help you arrange a face-to-face, telephone or video-call introduction with one of our consultants.
You can do this by filling in the contact form below or by giving one of our friendly team a call on +44 (0) 203 263 6025.
We really look forward to getting to know you and helping guide those next steps toward your dream family.
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
8 Welbeck Way London W1G 9YL
