For decades, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has largely been viewed as a solution for people struggling to conceive. However, modern reproductive medicine has expanded far beyond treating infertility alone.
Today, assisted reproductive technologies play a crucial role in reducing miscarriages, implantation failure, and the risk of serious genetic disorders.
Pregnancy loss or repeated implantation failure is not always due to an unfavourable uterine environment. In many cases, the cause lies within the embryo itself. If the egg or sperm carries genetic abnormalities, no amount of external clinical optimisation can result in a healthy pregnancy. This applies equally to both assisted and natural conceptions.
Dr Vaishali Sharma, Senior gynecologist and IVF specialist, MD(AIIMS) shares all you need to know:
This is where IVF moves beyond conception. It becomes a tool for preventive genetic medicine, helping ensure healthier embryos and lower-risk pregnancies.
Choosing Healthier Embryos Through Genetic Screening
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a screening technique performed on embryos before they are transferred to the uterus. It is increasingly recommended in selected IVF cycles, particularly for couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages, implantation failure, advanced maternal age, or known genetic conditions.
During embryo development, genetic errors can occur. Some disorders arise from single-gene mutations, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anaemia. Others result from chromosomal abnormalities, including duplications or changes in chromosome number, as seen in conditions like Down syndrome.
PGT helps identify embryos without these abnormalities, thereby improving implantation rates and reducing the likelihood of miscarriage or inherited disease. It enables clinicians and parents to select embryos with the most favourable genetic profile, lowering the risk of rare, debilitating, or life-limiting disorders.
How PGT Is Performed
Traditionally, PGT involved a biopsy in which a few cells are carefully removed from the embryo and analysed for genetic abnormalities. This method remains well established and widely used.
With advancing technology, non-invasive PGT techniques are emerging. These analyse DNA released by the embryo into the culture medium, eliminating the need for embryo biopsy. While still under evaluation, these approaches show promise in reducing invasiveness while preserving diagnostic accuracy.
The extracted genetic material is screened for a wide range of hereditary conditions. In select cases, emerging tools such as polygenic risk assessments may offer insights into genetic predispositions for complex diseases. However, these remain an evolving area of research and must be interpreted with caution.
What PGT Does Not Do: Gender Selection
A common misconception is that genetic testing allows parents to choose the sex of their child. This is incorrect.
PGT is designed solely to identify genetic abnormalities that may compromise health or development. It does not promote social preferences or physical trait selection. Moreover, in countries like India, sex selection is illegal and strictly prohibited. Ethical IVF practice firmly adheres to these legal and moral standards.
Final Thoughts
IVF today is not merely about achieving pregnancy. It is about improving pregnancy outcomes and safeguarding long-term child health. Through the responsible use of advanced genetic screening, IVF clinics can help reduce the burden of inherited disease and recurrent pregnancy loss.
At (clinic name), our focus is on empowering parents with scientifically sound, ethical choices—using reproductive medicine not just to create life, but to protect its quality and future.
