Did you know that one in six couples worldwide face fertility issues? The data translates to about 17.5% of the adult population experiencing infertility at some point in their lives. This statistic might seem surprising, but genetics plays a key role in both fertility problems and their solutions. Thanks to recent scientific progress, genetic testing now helps many prospective parents succeed where traditional methods fall short.
Think of genetic testing as a powerful microscope that looks at two crucial aspects of egg donation. First, it screens donors by examining their genetic makeup for any inherited conditions. Second, it analyzes embryos before implantation, spotting any chromosomal variations that could affect pregnancy success or the baby’s health.
SILK Medical takes this science a step further by pairing genetic testing with sophisticated AI technology. The clinic’s EmbryoScope system works like a tireless digital observer, taking photographs of embryos every ten minutes as they develop. By analyzing thousands of these images alongside genetic test results, embryologists can pick the embryos most likely to lead to successful pregnancies. The numbers speak for themselves – the clinic sees a 70% success rate for women under 35 using their own eggs.
Modern Genetic Testing Methods
Picture a set of 23 chromosome pairs – like a detailed instruction manual for creating and maintaining human life. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) reads through this manual, checking that all the chromosomes appear in the right numbers. Any extras or missing pieces could prevent pregnancy or cause health issues.
But PGT-A does more than count chromosomes. It also reveals the sex of each embryo with nearly 100% accuracy. At SILK Medical, parents can use this information to select male or female embryos – a completely legal option that many find valuable for family planning.
For families with histories of genetic disorders, there’s Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M). This specialized test looks for specific gene mutations, like checking individual words in that instruction manual for spelling errors that could cause problems.
Donor Screening: More Than Just Medical Tests
A thorough genetic evaluation starts well before any eggs are retrieved. Each potential donor undergoes extensive testing, including detailed chromosome analysis and screening for over 300 inherited conditions. Medical history gets special attention too – not just the donor’s, but three generations back.
Safety and accuracy matter at every step. That’s why SILK Medical uses the IVFID Witness system – like a high-tech tracking device that follows each genetic sample through the entire process. Using radio frequency identification (RFID), it prevents any possibility of mix-ups.
Technology and Success
The combination of genetic testing and AI analysis has dramatically improved IVF outcomes. Think about watching a plant grow – instead of checking once a day, the EmbryoScope watches constantly, recording every tiny change. This detailed record helps identify the embryos most likely to develop into healthy pregnancies.
When paired with genetic testing, this technology opens up new possibilities. Parents can now select not only the healthiest embryos but also choose their baby’s sex. SILK Medical’s approach has pushed success rates well above global averages, particularly in cases using tested embryos.
Making Smart Financial Choices
Yes, genetic testing adds to the initial cost of treatment. But consider this: higher success rates often mean fewer treatment cycles needed overall. One successful transfer with a genetically tested embryo could save both time and money compared to multiple attempts without testing.
Real Numbers That Matter
- PGT identifies chromosomal issues with over 95% accuracy
- Sex selection success rates approach 100%
- Tested embryos have significantly higher implantation rates
- Most patients need fewer transfer attempts with tested embryos
Looking Forward
Science keeps advancing, and genetic testing grows more sophisticated each year. What seemed impossible a decade ago now happens routinely in fertility clinics. SILK Medical stays ahead of these developments, combining proven techniques with the latest technological innovations.
Ready to learn more about how genetic testing might help you? Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation and understand all available options.
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