Reproductive Genetic Counselling and Testing

Reproductive Genetics provides reasons and analysis on some of the fertility issues that could be associated with recurrent loss of pregnancies, infertility complications, reproductive loss, and failed IUI and IVF procedures. This occurs by testing for genetic and chromosomal abnormalities.

The Reproductive Genetics program at CReATe West Fertility is provided in collaboration with CReATe Fertility Toronto, one of Canada’s leading IVF centers with a preimplantation genetic testing laboratory. The team of fertility specialists, ART technicians, and geneticists provide support to:

Assess the risk of having a child with a genetic or chromosomal condition
Counselling for the recommended reproductive genetic test to reduce the chances of the transmission of the genetic or chromosomal condition to the child
Counselling for the recommended reproductive genetic tests that can assist in the selection of embryos to drive better IVF procedure results.

Who should opt for reproductive genetic tests?

Women who are opting for pregnancy at or after 35 yrs of age
Women or their partners who are aware of being carriers of certain diseases - thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and spinal muscular atrophy or related conditions
History of multiple miscarriages or numerous failed IVF and IUI procedures
Medication, infection or occupational exposure in pregnancy

Types of Reproductive Genetic Tests

CReATe West Fertility is a partner clinic of CReATe Fertility 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)

1. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A)

PGT-A is a reproductive genetic test that identifies the presence of an abnormal number of chromosomes, called aneuploidy, to ensure the careful selection of only those embryos that have normal 23 pairs of chromosomes. It is recommended to support IVF outcomes, particularly if:

You have had repeated miscarriages or failed IUI and IVF results.
If you are above 36 yrs of age and trying to conceive.

There are numerous benefits of PGT-A:

Increase pregnancy rates to 70% or more.
Reduce miscarriage rates to 5 - 7%.
Minimize risks for chromosomal anomalies.
Allow chromosomally normal embryos to be frozen for future use.

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

PGT-M is a genetic test that is performed on an IVF embryo (before transfer) that identifies the presence of a specific genetic mutation. The primary benefit of PGT-M is to substantially reduce the risk of passing inherited conditions on to subsequent children. It aids in the identification and diagnosis of genetic abnormalities that may lead to disease during or after a baby’s birth. This test identifies the embryos with genetic disorders and through careful selection, they are not used for the IVF process.

Benefits of opting for PGT-M:

It has a 98% accuracy rate in detecting chromosomal abnormalities in embryos
This test is recommended for partners that have a risk of transmitting single-gene disorders to their children
It increases pregnancy success and promotes the birth of healthy babies

3. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangement (PGT-SR)

PGT-SR is a genetic test performed on embryos created through IVF to screen for chromosomal structural rearrangements normally caused by balanced translocations and inversions. One partner or both may have chromosomal rearrangements and they may go undetected all through their life until they decide to have children. PGT-SR can increase your chances of a successful pregnancy by examining embryos with chromosomal rearrangements, ensuring only those with the correct amount of chromosomal material are selected for transfer.

To know your eligibility, cost or coverage for these preimplantation genetic tests, please connect with your fertility specialist. You may need a referral to process this test and should opt for genetic counselling to be informed about the test procedure, benefits, results and options.