IVF with Non-Invasive PGT-A: A Step Forward in Assisted Reproduction
In recent years, assisted reproduction has undergone a revolution thanks to advances in genetics. One of the most significant innovations is Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A), a technique designed to analyse embryos during IVF and detect chromosomal abnormalities before they are transferred to the uterus. This approach not only increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy but also helps reduce the emotional and physical burden that many couples face during their fertility journey.
At UR Vistahermosa, genetics plays an essential role in supporting patients through complex reproductive challenges. The clinic combines cutting-edge technology with personalised care, offering both traditional and non-invasive approaches to PGT-A.
What is PGT-A?
PGT-A is a laboratory procedure carried out during IVF that examines the chromosomal composition of embryos. Human embryos should contain 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. When embryos have extra or missing chromosomes—a condition known as aneuploidy—they may fail to implant, lead to miscarriage, or result in genetic disorders.
By identifying chromosomally normal embryos, PGT-A allows fertility specialists to select those with the highest likelihood of resulting in a healthy pregnancy.
The Non-Invasive Approach
Traditionally, PGT-A involves taking a biopsy of a few cells from the embryo at the blastocyst stage. While this procedure is safe when performed by experienced embryologists, it is still technically invasive.
“Non-invasive PGT-A, on the other hand, analyses the genetic material that the embryo naturally releases into the culture medium during its development in the laboratory”, says Dr Valeria Sotelo, UR Vistahermosa.
The main advantage of this method is that it avoids manipulating the embryo itself. This provides reassurance to patients concerned about embryo biopsy, preserving embryo integrity while still providing valuable information about chromosomal health. Although the technology is still being refined, non-invasive PGT-A represents a promising future direction for IVF treatments.
Benefits of PGT-A in IVF
The integration of PGT-A into fertility treatments offers several benefits:
- Reduced risk of miscarriage: By transferring embryos with the correct number of chromosomes, couples are less likely to face the heartbreak of pregnancy loss.
- Higher implantation rates: Selecting euploid embryos increases the chances that the transfer will result in a pregnancy.
- Efficient treatment process: Couples may achieve pregnancy in fewer attempts, saving time, money, and emotional stress.
- Support for single embryo transfer: PGT-A makes it possible to transfer just one embryo with greater confidence, lowering the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
- Tailored patient care: The genetic information gained helps doctors adapt treatment protocols for each patient’s unique circumstances.
Expert Insight: Dr Valeria Sotelo
Dr Valeria Sotelo, fertility specialist at UR Vistahermosa, explains when PGT-A can be most useful in clinical practice:
“PGT-A is recommended for patients with advanced maternal age (from 38 onwards), patients with implantation failure (more than 3 blastocysts transferred without a successful pregnancy), patients who have suffered recurrent miscarriages (both naturally or after IVF) and patients with a severe male factor (severely altered sperm analysis, high sperm DNA fragmentation or altered sperm FISH test result).”
Dr Valeria Sotelo, UR Vistahermosa
Her experience underscores the importance of applying PGT-A selectively, focusing on cases where it can truly make a difference.
Case Study 1: Overcoming Recurrent Miscarriages
A 34-year-old woman and her 34-year-old partner came to UR Vistahermosa after experiencing three early miscarriages over two years. The woman had a good ovarian reserve, and her partner was diagnosed with teratozoospermia. They had never undergone fertility treatments before but were deeply anxious about trying again naturally.
The medical team recommended IVF combined with PGT-A to help identify healthy embryos and break the cycle of miscarriage. The couple’s IVF cycle resulted in six blastocysts: four were chromosomally normal (euploid), while two were abnormal (aneuploid).
A deferred transfer of one euploid embryo was performed. This led to a successful pregnancy, and nine months later, the patient delivered a healthy baby girl naturally.
This case shows how even younger patients, when facing recurrent miscarriage, can benefit from the reassurance and precision that PGT-A provides.
Case Study 2: Implantation Failure and a Tailored Protocol
A second couple, a 39-year-old woman with a good ovarian reserve for her age and her 42-year-old partner with normal sperm parameters, arrived at UR Vistahermosa after three failed IVF/ICSI cycles in their home country. Despite transferring seven blastocysts, all treatments had ended with negative pregnancy tests.
The clinic recommended IVF with PGT-A to go beyond what had already been attempted.
- In the first cycle, four blastocysts were obtained, but only one was chromosomally normal. That embryo was transferred but did not implant. A review of the case revealed that the patient had low progesterone levels on the day of transfer, which may have contributed to the failure.
- In the second cycle, with an adjusted protocol and improved hormonal support, five blastocysts were obtained, all of which were euploid. Two were transferred in a deferred cycle with extra progesterone support.
The result was a twin pregnancy, and although delivery required an emergency C-section, the patient gave birth to two healthy babies.
This case illustrates how PGT-A, combined with individualised medical care, can transform outcomes for patients who have experienced repeated failure in the past.
The Role of UR Vistahermosa
What makes UR Vistahermosa stand out is the presence of a dedicated Genetics Unit within the clinic itself. This means that genetic analyses are performed in-house, without the need to send samples to external laboratories. The advantages are clear:
- Faster results: Embryo evaluation and transfer decisions can be made more quickly.
- Seamless collaboration: Geneticists, embryologists, and clinicians work closely together under one roof.
- Comprehensive support: Patients receive counselling and explanations at every step, helping them make informed choices.
This integrated model ensures precision, efficiency, and a highly personalised patient experience.
Looking Ahead: The Future of PGT-A
As technology advances, non-invasive PGT-A is expected to play a bigger role in fertility care. For now, biopsy-based PGT-A remains the most established method, but the evolution of non-invasive approaches promises a future where embryos can be analysed with minimal manipulation and maximum safety.
Patients can be reassured that they are benefiting from the most advanced tools available while knowing that treatments are tailored to their unique needs.
Conclusion
IVF with PGT-A—whether biopsy-based or non-invasive—represents one of the most important advances in reproductive medicine. For patients facing repeated miscarriages, implantation failure, advanced maternal age, or severe male factor infertility, it offers new hope and a clearer path toward parenthood.
At UR Vistahermosa, the integration of a Genetics Unit and the expertise of specialists like Dr. Valeria Sotelo ensure that these technologies are used wisely and effectively. Every patient receives an individualised plan, with the goal not just of achieving pregnancy, but of welcoming a healthy baby into their family.
