PGT-A in Patients with Advanced Maternal Age – Success Stories
Dr Laura Garcia de Miguel, Medical Director, Clinica Tambre Madrid
Last updated: September 25, 2025
PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy) is a highly effective technique for women of advanced maternal age undergoing IVF. It helps identify chromosomally normal embryos, improving implantation rates, reducing miscarriage risks, and increasing the chances of delivering a healthy baby.
PGT-A in Advanced Maternal Age – Summary
- PGT-A screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer.
- Older patients benefit most, as age increases risk of aneuploidies.
- Spanish legislation supports safe, ethical use of PGD/PGT.
- Case studies show successful pregnancies in women over 35 and 40.
What is PGT-A?
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), also called Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), is a laboratory technique used alongside IVF. By analyzing a few cells from early-stage embryos, doctors can detect chromosomal abnormalities or genetic mutations before deciding which embryo to transfer.
Types of preimplantation genetic tests include:
- PGT-A (Aneuploidy screening): Detects extra or missing chromosomes, e.g., Down syndrome (trisomy 21).
- PGT-M (Monogenic diseases): Identifies mutations in single genes such as cystic fibrosis.
- PGT-SR (Structural rearrangements): Detects chromosomal translocations that can cause miscarriage.
Why is PGT-A Crucial for Older Patients?
As women age, egg quality declines and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities rises. This often leads to:
- Failed implantation
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Genetic conditions in newborns
PGT-A improves outcomes by selecting euploid embryos—those with the correct number of chromosomes.
Benefits for Older Patients
- Higher implantation success
- Lower miscarriage rates
- Fewer IVF cycles needed
- Reduced emotional and financial stress
Legislation in Spain: A Supportive Framework
Spain offers one of the most advanced legal frameworks in Europe for assisted reproduction. Law 14/2006 ensures:
- Broad access to IVF and PGD
- Protection of patient rights
- Authorization for testing serious hereditary diseases and chromosomal abnormalities
Unlike in some European countries, Spain allows PGD for medical purposes, while banning non-medical applications like sex selection.
Authorized Uses of PGD in Spain
- Serious genetic diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease)
- Chromosomal abnormalities (trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13)
- Recurrent miscarriages of unknown cause
- Repeated implantation failures
Restrictions in Other European Countries
Compared to Spain, laws in other countries are more restrictive:
- Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Austria: PGD banned
- Germany: Limited to hereditary diseases; requires ethics approval; embryo freezing and egg donation banned
- France: Requires proven parental mutation and high disease risk
This legal contrast makes Spain a preferred destination for fertility patients seeking advanced reproductive care. Clinica Tambre, with over 40 years of experience, has become a trusted choice for many couples facing these limitations in their home countries.
Why Spain Attracts International Patients
- Favorable legislation supporting safe PGD use
- Over 40 years of expertise in reproductive medicine at leading clinics
- High success rates, with 81% PGD success reported at Clinica Tambre
- Multilingual medical teams, making treatment abroad easier and less stressful
Real Patient Success Stories with PGT-A
Case Study 1 – Recurrent Miscarriages Overcome
- Mother: 35 years | Father: 37 years
- Embryos tested: 10 → 6 unsuitable
- Healthy embryos: 4 (1 AA, 2 AB, 1 BB)
Diagnosis revealed the mother carried a balanced translocation causing miscarriages. PGT-A helped identify chromosomally normal embryos. Transfer led to a healthy pregnancy and live birth.
Case Study 2 – Avoiding Cystic Fibrosis Transmission
- Mother: 32 years | Father: 34 years
- Embryos tested: 8 → 6 unsuitable
- Healthy embryos: 2 (1 AA, 1 AB)
Both parents carried the cystic fibrosis gene. PGT-A identified unaffected embryos, leading to a successful pregnancy and healthy baby free of the disease.
Case Study 3 – First Pregnancy at 41 Years Old
- Single mother: 41 years
- Embryos tested: 12 → 8 unsuitable
- Healthy embryos: 4 (1 AA, 2 AB, 1 BB)
Advanced maternal age increases the risk of trisomies. With PGT-A, doctors selected chromosomally normal embryos. She achieved a successful pregnancy and birth at age 41.
Many women in similar situations turn to Clinica Tambre, where dedicated programs for women over 40 help maximize results with personalized care and the latest reproductive techniques.
Comparing PGT-A Outcomes in Different Scenarios
| Patient Age | Embryos Analyzed | Healthy Embryos | Outcome | Key Insight |
| 35 (Recurrent Miscarriages) | 10 | 4 | Healthy baby | Balanced translocation managed with PGT-A |
| 32 (Cystic Fibrosis Carriers) | 8 | 2 | Healthy baby | Prevented genetic disease transmission |
| 41 (Advanced Maternal Age) | 12 | 4 | Healthy baby | Age-related chromosomal risks overcome |
Psychological and Emotional Impact
Infertility treatments can be emotionally draining. PGT-A reduces uncertainty by providing clarity about embryo quality. This leads to:
- Shorter treatment journeys
- Greater reassurance for patients
- Lower emotional toll from repeated miscarriages
FAQs on PGT-A in Advanced Maternal Age
Is PGT-A always recommended for women over 35?
Yes, as egg quality declines and chromosomal abnormalities rise with age.
Does PGT-A guarantee a successful pregnancy?
No, but it significantly increases the chances compared to IVF without genetic testing.
Can PGT-A be used for sex selection?
Not in Spain. The law only permits medical uses.
Is PGT-A safe for embryos?
Yes, only a few cells are taken at the blastocyst stage, with no harm to the embryo.
How many embryos are usually viable in women over 40?
It varies, but PGT-A helps identify the best embryos for transfer.
Next Step
If you’re exploring IVF with PGT-A and want to understand your chances more clearly, Clinica Tambre in Madrid can provide a personalized assessment and guide you through the options available.
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