Should You Opt for Genetic Screening During IVF



Should You Opt for Genetic Screening During IVF
 Starting an IVF journey can feel overwhelming, with so many decisions to make — from choosing the right clinic to selecting the safest treatment options. One of the most important choices many couples face today is whether to opt for genetic screening (PGT) before embryo transfer.
Isha Women’s Hospital, being the best IVF centre in Dombivli, believes that every couple deserves not just treatment but personalized, ethical, and scientifically advanced fertility care. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Chinmay Pataki – one of the best gynaecologist, IVF specialists, and the only male infertility expert of Thane, Isha Women Hospital offers state-of-the-art solutions like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk o


What Is Genetic Screening in IVF?

When you choose IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), your goal is to maximize the chances of a healthy pregnancy. One of the advanced tools available today is Genetic Screening, scientifically called Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). Dr. Chinmay Pataki – one of the best gynecologists and IVF specialists of Dombivali offers this cutting-edge option at Isha Women Hospital to couples who want to take an extra step toward ensuring a healthy baby.
Understanding PGT:
PGT, or Preimplantation Genetic Testing, is a laboratory technique performed during an IVF cycle before the embryo is implanted into the uterus. Previously known as PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening), PGT provides valuable information about the genetic health of embryos.
There are three main types of PGT:
  • PGT-A (Aneuploidy Screening): This test checks if the embryo has the correct number of chromosomes. Embryos with missing or extra chromosomes may lead to implantation failure, miscarriage, or genetic conditions like Down syndrome.
  • PGT-M (Monogenic/Single Gene Testing): This is used for couples who are carriers of known genetic diseases (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis). It allows only healthy, disease-free embryos to be selected.
  • PGT-SR (Structural Rearrangement Testing): This test detects chromosomal structural issues like translocations or inversions that can affect embryo development and lead to recurrent pregnancy loss.
PGT helps us identify chromosomally normal embryos, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of genetic problems.


How the Process Works?

At Isha Women’s Hospital, the highly trained embryologists perform PGT with utmost care and precision. Here’s how the process typically works:
  • Step 1: Fertilization - Eggs are fertilized with sperm in our advanced IVF laboratory to create embryos.
  • Step 2: Embryo Growth - The embryos are carefully cultured and grown to the Day 5–6 blastocyst stage, when they are ready for testing.
  • Step 3: Biopsy - A few cells are gently removed from the outer layer of the embryo (trophectoderm) without harming the inner cell mass that will become the baby.
  • Step 4: Genetic Testing - The DNA from these cells is analyzed in a specialized genetics lab to check for chromosome numbers and genetic disorders.
  • Step 5: Freezing & Results - The embryos are safely frozen (vitrified) while waiting for test results.
  • Step 6: Embryo Transfer - Once healthy embryos are identified, one embryo is transferred in a carefully timed cycle to maximize your chances of pregnancy.
This entire process is performed with state-of-the-art equipment and under strict international quality standards at Isha Women’s Hospital, giving you confidence that your future family is in expert hands.


Why This Matters

By selecting only chromosomally normal embryos, we help
  • Increase your chances of a healthy, full-term pregnancy
  • Lower the risk of miscarriage
  • Prevent transmission of genetic diseases
  • Minimize emotional and financial strain from repeated IVF cycles
Expert Tip from Dr. Chinmay Pataki
PGT is not required for every couple, but it can be a game-changer for those at risk of genetic disorders, recurrent pregnancy loss, or multiple failed IVF cycles. At Isha Women’s Hospital, we personalize every treatment plan so that couples get exactly what they need – no more, no less.
— Dr. Chinmay Pataki, Best IVF Specialist in Thane


Who Should Consider Genetic Testing?

Not every couple undergoing IVF needs genetic screening (PGT). Isha Women’s Hospital, led by Dr. Chinmay Pataki – one of the best IVF specialists and fertility experts in Thane carefully assess each couple’s history before recommending PGT. This ensures that the test is used only when it is truly beneficial.
Here are the ideal candidates for PGT and why it might be recommended for them:
Ideal Candidates for PGT
Candidate Group and Why PGT Is Recommended
  • Women over 35 - As women age, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities (like Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome) increases. PGT helps identify healthy embryos and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
  • Couples with 2 or more miscarriages - Recurrent pregnancy loss can be due to genetic issues in embryos. PGT helps detect chromosomally normal embryos, improving the chance of a full-term pregnancy.
  • Couples with known genetic conditions - If one or both partners are carriers of a condition like thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, or cystic fibrosis, PGT ensures only unaffected embryos are transferred.
  • Couples with multiple failed IVF cycles - If embryos failed to implant in previous IVF cycles, PGT can improve success by selecting embryos most likely to develop into a healthy pregnancy.
  • Cases of severe male infertility or high DNA fragmentation - PGT can help bypass potential issues caused by sperm DNA damage by ensuring only genetically healthy embryos are used.
Expert Insight from Dr. Chinmay Pataki
PGT can be a powerful tool, but it’s not for everyone. At Isha Women’s Hospital, we look at age, medical history, and past IVF outcomes before recommending genetic screening. Our goal is to give you the best chance at a healthy pregnancy, most ethically and cost-effectively.
— Dr. Chinmay Pataki, Best Gynecologist and Fertility Specialist in Thane


Benefits of PGT in IVF

PGT offers several potential benefits, especially for couples with a history of miscarriage, failed IVF cycles, or genetic conditions.
Increases Implantation Rates: By selecting only chromosomally normal embryos, PGT improves the chances that the embryo will implant successfully and lead to a healthy pregnancy.
  • Reduces Miscarriages:  Many miscarriages happen because of chromosomal abnormalities. PGT helps identify healthy embryos and lowers the risk of pregnancy loss.
  • Supports Single Embryo Transfer: With PGT, doctors can confidently transfer just one embryo at a time, reducing the chances of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) while maintaining a high success rate.
  • Prevents Passing on Inherited Disorders: Couples who are carriers of genetic conditions like thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, or sickle cell anemia can ensure that only unaffected embryos are selected, giving their baby the best chance for a healthy life.
  • Saves Time and Money in the Long Run: While PGT adds to the upfront cost of IVF, it can save couples from repeated failed cycles, emotional stress, and additional expenses by helping achieve pregnancy sooner.


Cost & When It’s Worth It

One of the most common questions couples ask is — How much does genetic screening (PGT) cost, and is it worth it? Let’s break it down clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Cost of PGT in India
The cost of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) depends on the type of test (PGT-A, PGT-M, PGT-SR) and the number of embryos being tested.
  • Average Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 per cycle (in addition to standard IVF cost)
  • Factors Affecting Cost: Number of embryos tested, type of PGT, and laboratory charges
  • Insurance Coverage: In some cases, partial coverage may be available if PGT is linked to a diagnosed medical or genetic indication
Isha Women’s Hospital is the only centre of Kalyan-Dombivali that offers transparent pricing, customized treatment packages, and EMI options to make advanced genetic testing more affordable for our patients.
Investing in PGT can save you from repeated IVF failures, emotional stress, and additional costs in the long run, making it a valuable option for many couples.


Is It Worth It for You?

PGT is not necessary for every couple, but it can be life-changing in the right situations.
You should consider PGT if you:
  • Have had multiple failed IVF cycles despite good embryo quality
  • Have experienced two or more miscarriages
  • Are a woman over 35, where the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is higher
  • Carry known genetic disorders and want to prevent passing them on to your child
You may not need PGT if you are:
  • A younger woman (under 30) with high-quality eggs and no history of miscarriage or genetic risk
  • Someone with excellent embryo quality and no family history of genetic diseases
PGT should never be done just because it’s available — it should be done because it is clinically justified and likely to improve your outcome.
At Isha Women’s Hospital, Dr. Chinmay Pataki the best fertility specialist of Mumbai, himself evaluates your medical history, age, past IVF cycles, and genetic background before recommending PGT.


Make an Informed Choice

Genetic screening is a powerful tool, but it is not a must for everyone. For couples with high-risk factors, advanced age, or recurrent pregnancy losses, it can dramatically improve outcomes and offer peace of mind.
By carefully selecting chromosomally normal embryos, PGT:
  • Improves the chances of a successful pregnancy
  • Reduces the emotional toll of repeated IVF cycles
  • Lowers the risk of miscarriage
  • Helps bring you closer to your dream of having a healthy baby
Isha Women’s Hospital, one of the best Fertility & IVF centre of Dombivali believes in personalized, ethical, and compassionate fertility care.
Take the first step today — book a consultation with Dr. Chinmay Pataki, one of the best gynecologists and fertility specialists in Dombivli & Thane. Together, we’ll decide whether PGT  fits your fertility goals and create a plan to help you achieve parenthood with confidence.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does PGT improve IVF success?
Ans - Yes — by selecting healthy embryos, it improves implantation and reduces miscarriage.
2. Is genetic testing safe for embryos?
Ans - Yes — when done by trained professionals, it’s safe and minimally invasive.
3. Does PGT mean I’ll definitely get pregnant?
Ans - No — it improves your chances, but can’t guarantee pregnancy.
4. Can I skip PGT if I’m under 35?
Ans - Often yes — if you have good-quality embryos and no miscarriage history.
5. Is PGT the same as genetic testing during pregnancy?
Ans - No — PGT is done before implantation; prenatal testing is done during pregnancy.